The type displays a distinctive auriculate ("eared") stem with basal corners that flare outward. The plains are vegetated by awal (Casia auriculate) akra, kiker (Acacia arabica). The aperture of a snail shell can have many other forms&colon; semicircular, trilobate or auriculate. Among those genera "Malvaviscus" is distinguished by having auriculate petals and red, fleshy fruits. It is also slightly auriculate and has an oblique attachment to the stem.