Neches River Rose-Mallow

"The Neches River rose-mallow is a shrubby perennial that grows from three to seven feet tall. Like other hibiscus, it produces large, showy flowers. Each blossom is three to six inches wide, with five two- to four-inch-long creamy-white petals and a deep red or purple center. The flower grows in wetland areas exposed to open sun . . . Unfortunately, habitat loss and degradation have reduced this plant’s habitat to just a few small areas that support no more than a few thousand individuals. It must compete with Chinese tallow, a nonnative tree species, for space, light, and nutrients. Its wetland habitat is threatened by development and stream channelization. Herbicides are a danger to seven of the existing 11 populations. Climate change is expected to alter habitat conditions for the plant, and drought is already affecting habitat quality and reproductive success."