Sphaeralcea species are somewhat difficult to identify. The species boundaries are not always sharp because there is frequent hybridization, polyploidy, and morphological variation in response to environmental conditions, particularly rainfall. Plants growing in Arizona are particularly difficult to identify[].

Common Name: Gray Globemallow

General Information

Sphaeralcea incana is an erect, herbaceous perennial plant usually growing 60 - 180cm tall, though it can be as small as 40cm or as tall as 300cm[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

The hairs on the leaves can cause irritation to some people[].

Botanical References

Range

Southern N. America - Arizona, Texas, northern Mexico

Habitat

Sandy areas; at elevations from 1,000 - 1,900 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.20 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Sphaeralcea species from western N. America are generally species of warm, dry and very freely draining habitats. They are often tolerant of very low winter temperatures but, like many species with downy leaves, they are not very tolerant of winter wet and will often fail to overwinter in mild but wet winter areas[].
Species in this genus generally require a warm, sunny position in a moderately fertile, freely-draining soil[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is used as a treatment for diarrhoea[].

Sphaeralcea species are good sources of mucilage in the form of mucopolysaccharide starches. This has been shown to stimulate macrophage activity and help promote healing and resistance, especially in the skin, upper intestinal tract, urinary tract and lungs[].
The whole plant is demulcent and emollient[]. Taken internally, it can be used to soothe sore throats and irritations along the digestive tract, urinary tract etc. Applied externally, it can be used to soothe and promote healing of cuts, burns, wounds etc[].

Other Uses

The plant is a rich source of mucilage. An infusion is often used as a hair rinse after shampooing, when it is said to give the hair body. A strong infusion will curl the hair if it is not rinsed out[].

Propagation

Seed - it has a hard seed coat and benefits from either autumn sowing or scarification of stored seed[]. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing.
Softwood cuttings in a frame in early summer[].
Division[].