Alcea Alcea Alcea is a genus of about 60 species of flowering plants in the mallow family Malvaceae, commonly known as the hollyhocks. They are native to Asia and Europe. The single species of hollyhock from the Western Hemisphere, the streambank wild hollyhock, belongs to a different genus. Hollyhocks are annual, biennial, or perennial plants usually taking an erect, unbranched form. The herbage usually has a coating of star-shaped hairs. The leaf blades are often lobed or toothed, and are borne on long petioles. The flowers may be solitary or arranged in fascicles or racemes. The notched petals are usually over
Zephyranthes rosea many of the islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans They are common in recently disturbed land and grassy areas (like lawns and meadows) that receive periodical rainfall. "Zephyranthes rosea" are usually propagated by dividing clumps of bulbs, but can also be grown from seeds. They are widely cultivated as ornamental plants. They are relatively low-maintenance, becoming dormant during extended periods of drought. They are less tolerant of colder temperatures than other species of "Zephyranthes", however. In India, they are also used in folk medicine, along with "Zephyranthes flava". The bulbs of "Z. rosea", like other members of "Zephyranthes" and