Fang mallow
It is a plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. The first documented reference to its presence in the Valencian Community dates back to the late 19th century. In 1886, Valencian naturalist Eduardo Boscá collected specimens from La Mata del Fanch, located in the Albufera of Valencia. This plant has a closely related species native to the coastal marshlands of the Gulf of Mexico. However, recent genetic studies have revealed that both are, in fact, the same species. This discovery raises the question: Are the European populations native, or are they the result of recent colonization? Additionally, its historical use in European textiles suggests that it may have been introduced and subsequently established as a wild species.
Distribution
Kosteletzkya pentacarpa is native to the coastal wetlands of the Gulf of Mexico, ranging from Texas and Florida to New York, as well as Bermuda and Cuba. It also grows in Mediterranean Europe, including eastern Spain, Corsica and Italy. The populations in northern Italy are currently considered non-native.
Outside of the regions, the species is also found in Georgia, Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia. In Spain, it has been recorded in the Levantine provinces of Tarragona, Valencia and Alicante, as well as in the Balearic Islands.
Habitat
On the Iberian Peninsula, Kosteletzkya pentacarpa grows in helophytic communities, meaning it grows in wetlands along riverbanks, marshes and brackish coastal areas. It is a sub-nitrophilous species, preferring moderate nitrogen levels and showing tolerance to salinity.
In the Albufera of Valencia, it grows in flooded soils with a basic pH, rich in organic matter, and is commonly found among reed beds and bulrushes.
Conservation
The Generalitat Valenciana has developed specific protocols for its germination, vegetative propagation, production, and reintroduction into the wild. Thanks to these efforts, populations have been reinforced, and controlled introductions have been carried out in Flora Micro-reserves and restored areas within l'Albufera Natural Park.
In Cataluña, the species is also present in protected areas such as the Delta de l'Ebre Natural Park and the Llobregat Delta Nature Reserve, where populations are regularly monitored. Additionally, seeds and live specimens are stored at CIPP facilities for conservation purposes.
Images descriptions
The seeds of Kosteletzkya pentacarpa are small, up to 5 millimetres long and 3 millimetres wide. They have a kidney-shaped or boat-shaped (navicular) form. The optical microscope image shows seeds with alternating dark and light brown banding on the seed´s surface. The outer covering is finely rough with a granulated-dotted texture, giving it a slightly rough feel.
The scanning electron microscope image shows a frontal view, highlighting a structure resembling a ship's bow. The outer surface slightly reticulated, adding to its distinctive texture.