Alcea: meaning, definitions and examples

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Alcea

[ælˈsiːə ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

botanical term

Alcea is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. They are commonly known as hollyhocks and are characterized by their tall spikes of large, showy flowers that bloom in various colors. These plants are often cultivated in gardens for their ornamental value.

Synonyms

hollyhock, mallow.

Examples of usage

The garden was filled with vibrant Alcea blooming in the summer.
Farmers often plant Alcea along their fences for a natural look.
The Alcea flowers attracted numerous pollinators.
In the Victorian era, Alcea was a popular choice for cottage gardens.

Interesting Facts

Botanical Information

These flowers belong to the mallow family and are often called hollyhocks.
They can reach up to 8 feet tall, making them one of the taller garden plants.
The petals can be found in colors like pink, white, yellow, red, and purple, attracting lots of garden visitors.

Historical Significance

Hollyhocks have been cultivated for thousands of years, with origins traced back to ancient Egypt.
In medieval Europe, these flowers were often used in gardens for their beauty and medicinal properties.
In Victorian times, different colors of hollyhocks represented various social messages, much like flowers do today.

Cultural References

In China, hollyhocks symbolize ambition and love, highlighting their significance in traditional culture.
The flowers can often be seen in paintings and designs from different art movements, symbolizing elegance and grace.
Folklore in various cultures often associates these flowers with good luck and prosperity when planted in gardens.

Gardening Tips

These flowers are biennials, meaning they take two years to flower, but they can self-seed to bring new plants each year.
They thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil, making them easy to grow for many gardeners.
To keep them healthy, gardeners should regularly remove faded blooms to encourage more flowers.

Ecological Impact

Hollyhocks are known to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, playing an important role in the ecosystem.
They can help with soil erosion control when planted on slopes due to their deep-root systems.
These flowers are often seen as a habitat for many beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity in gardens.