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The Malvaceae is a cosmopolitan family with many members important for ornamentals (e.g., Hibiscus, Abutilon, Althaea, Malva, Tilia), for food (e.g., Theobroma = chocolate, Cola = CocaCola flavoring, Durio = durian fruit, and Hibiscus esculentus = okra), for fiber (Ceiba and Bombax = kapok, Gossypium = cotton), and for timber (Ochromoa = balsa wood). The family is most recognizable by the fused stamens that form an elongated tube surrounding the fused styles and distinct stigmas. Vegetative characters include simple, alternate, palmately-compound or lobed leaves. Leaf margins are smooth or toothed with malvoid teeth (vein ending at the tooth apex). Stipules are usually present on the leaves. The flowers are often associated with conspicuous bracts that form an epicalyx.