[4][5] Well-known members of economic importance include okra, cotton, cacao, roselle and durian.

There are also some genera containing familiar ornamentals, such as Alcea (hollyhock), Malva (mallow), and Tilia (lime or linden tree).

The traditional Malvaceae sensu stricto comprise a very homogeneous and cladistically monophyletic group.

Another major circumscription, Malvaceae sensu lato, has been more recently defined on the basis that genetics studies have shown the commonly recognised families Bombacaceae, Tiliaceae, and Sterculiaceae, which have always been considered closely allied to Malvaceae s.s., are not monophyletic groups.

Continuing disagreements focused primarily on the correct circumscription of these subfamilies, including the preservation of the family Bombacaceae.

These included the presence of malvoid teeth, stems with mucilage canals, and stratified wedge-shaped phloem.

include the presence of tile cells, trichomatous nectaries, and an inflorescence structure called a bicolor unit.

Evidence of Malvean wood fossils has confirmed their evolutionary link in Malvaceae s.l., as well as explained their diverse structures.

exhibit nectaries consisting of densely arranged multicellular hairs resembling trichomes.

The bicolor unit is a variable structure in complexity, but the presence of fertile and sterile bracts is a salient characteristic.

Bees from the tribe Emphorini of the Apidae (including Ptilothrix, Diadasia, and Melitoma) are known to specialize on the plants.

A number of species are pests in agriculture, including Abutilon theophrasti and Modiola caroliniana, and others that are garden escapees.