Desert Globe Mallow

I thought I might have to sit this one out - even though I chose the color for Flower Fest's Orange you glad it's a new color? - especially since I didn't have the time to make my third attempt at a watercolor (first and second attempts). But my archives came to my rescue.

Desert Globe Mallow, Arches National Park, Utah

I came across these bright flowers in Utah's Arches National Park last year. They are called Desert Globe Mallow and belong to the Malvaceae family. The botanical name for this globe mallow is Sphaeralcea coccinea. It can be found in semi-desert and arid regions.

I also came across another species of the globe mallow called Sphaeralcea leptophylla. The flowers are orange but the leaves are longer and narrower.

This is my entry to Flower Fest's Orange you glad it's a new color?