FLOWER-OF-AN-HOUR

also called Venice Mallow (Hibiscus trionum), annual plant of the mallow family (Malvaceae), native to central Africa. In North America it is sometimes cultivated for its attractive flowers; as a result it has often been naturalized and sometimes becomes a troublesome weed. The plant grows to about 0.6 m (2 feet) tall and has leaves with sharply toothed lobes. The white or pale yellow flowers have a dark centre and measure about 4 cm (2 inches) across. When in shadow, the flowers close.