Malvaceae

Alternate, often palmately lobed leaves; funnel-shaped flowers with numerous stamens fused into a distinctive central column around the pistil.

Famously mucilaginous when crushed — the same slippery quality prized in okra and traditionally used to soothe sunburn and sore throats.

To check whether a plant belongs to Malvaceae, compare the leaf arrangement, leaf type, flower symmetry, fruit type, and one distinctive marker together. A single feature can mislead; the family pattern is the combination.