Bristly Hollyhock

Bristly Hollyhock (Alcea Setosa)
Fourth in the "Flowers of Israel" Series

The Hebrew name for the hollyhock is derived from the Arabic word for "nose". This indicates the pronounced reproductive organs in the center of the flower. Hollyhocks can grow as high as 3 meters and their flowers can measure up to 12 centimeters in diameter. Hollyhocks have been planted along one of the main highways in Israel, Road 6, and whoever travels along the road at the end of spring cannot but notice them. It is no wonder that many differently colored cultured species of the plant have been developed.

Hollyhock stalks have dark-colored stains that resemble patches of lice. It is thought that this is a means of defense of the plant against its predators, which will avoid eating what they believe are infested plants.

Hollyhocks have five rich nectaries. Researchers in Israel have found that bumblebees visit each of the nectaries, one after the other in succession, and leave the flower before returning to the first nectary. This seems to show that bumblebees know how to count up to five!

*The above texts are based on: Amots Dafni and Noam Avitsel, Mi-Koter ve-ud Tsamereth – 200 Millim al 200 Tsemachim (in Hebrew) (Haifa: Pardes Publishers, 2018)


Design: Aharon Shevo

Description
Face: A beautiful flower depiction in full color. Around the border, the name of the flower in English and Hebrew. To the right, the Holy Land Mint trademark , to the left the weight, metal fineness and mint year.
Common Reverse: A variety of flowers.