Malvaviscus arboreus aka Fire Dart Bush

Malvaviscus arboreus is a shrub or small tree. It belongs to the mallow family. People call it wax mallow or sleepy mallow. Kew gives its native range as Mexico to Trinidad and Peru. It grows in tropical regions and in nearby warmer zones. Wild plants live in both wet and dry forests and thickets. They also grow along roads and on disturbed ground.

The plant is deciduous, which means it sheds its leaves. It grows fast. One garden source lists a height of 10 feet [3 metres]. Its broader height range is 3–16 feet [1–5 metres]. Some plants reach 33 feet [10 metres], beyond that usual range. Its width tends to match its height. The plant sends up suckers, or new shoots, from below ground. Branches can also root where they touch the soil. These two ways of spreading can build dense stands.

The flowers have bright red corollas, the petals of each bloom. These give the plant value in gardens. They stand out, though it may bear few at once. Hummingbirds carry pollen between flowers. The plant is self-fertile: its own pollen can lead to fruit. In tropical climates, it can bloom and bear fruit all year. People eat the raw fruit, which is juicy and somewhat slimy. Children eat it, but adults may not like its taste. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known hazards for this species. That does not prove safety for every use or for pets.

Full sun gives the best growth and show of flowers. The plant also grows well in part shade, with fewer blooms. It prefers sandy soil that drains well. Warm climates suit it better than places with harsh winters. It can withstand brief, light frost near 30°F [-1°C]. Gardeners grow it for its looks in tropical and subtropical areas. Its spread can become a problem outside its native range. Plants have escaped gardens and taken root in disturbed sites. New Zealand classes the species as invasive.

People also gather this plant for medicine and useful materials. Its bark holds strong fibre. People use mixtures made from its leaves to treat hair. Folk uses include flower and leaf mixtures for throat and gut complaints. People also use them for fever, bronchitis, and bladder complaints. A mixture from the plant's base serves as a burn dressing. These reports describe folk uses. They do not prove that the plant has medical benefits.