Malvales is a diverse order of flowering plants, economically and ecologically relevant, and it is known for its broad morphological variability. Recent phylogenomic studies have revealed a complex evolutionary history for the order, including localised phylogenetic discordances among nuclear loci. However, since the late 1990s, Malvales classification has largely been neglected. This study aims to address this gap by revisiting the classification of Malvales, with a focus on its largest family, Malvaceae. By integrating phylogenomic and morphological datasets, our primary goals are to provide an updated phylogeny for the order and to map key traits supporting a revised suprageneric classification, while accounting for gene and species tree conflicts. Our molecular dataset included 194 genera and 309 nuclear genes, obtained through target sequence capture using Angiosperms353 probes. This dataset covers approximately half of the known genera in the order, representing all families and subfamilies, as well as nearly all tribes, and all subtribes. A coalescent approach utilising nuclear gene trees was used to infer phylogenetic relationships. A morphological matrix with 50 characters relevant for suprageneric classification was compiled, and character‐state distributions for selected traits were mapped against the phylogenetic tree to identify and discuss diagnostic features for clades. Phylogenetic relationships and the monophyly of most groups aligned closely with previous studies. Morphological traits that define key clades varied significantly across Malvales, with differences observed in growth habit, leaf structure, pollen type, floral features, and fruit/seed morphology. In Malvaceae, we resolved uncertainties in the early Malvoideae lineages, and we describe a new tribe, Pentaplareae tr. nov., which clarifies the taxonomic placement of a previously uncertain genus. Additionally, we propose the recognition of a new subfamily, Matisioideae subfam. nov., elevated from its former status as a tribe, and positioned as the sister group to Malvoideae. This study highlights how taxonomic frameworks can be refined even in the face of conflicting phylogenomic data, demonstrating the importance of integrating molecular and morphological evidence in revising classifications.

Quararibea bragae from the Atlantic Forest of Espírito Santo State (Brazil) is proposed as a new species. Quararibea bragae is similar to Q. turbinata in vegetative characteristics, such as the shape and consistency of its leaves and type of domatia. However, it can be distinguished by the leaves’ indumentum and by the positioning and quantity of domatia on the abaxial surface of the leaves. Reproductive characteristics are differentiated by the shape and indumentum of the staminal tube and the shape of the fruit. We present a morphological description and comments, illustration, notes on ecology and distribution, and identification key of Atlantic Forest species.

In the present study, I propose a new species, Quararibea bovinii, an Atlantic Forest tree. The new taxon occurs in southeastern Brazil, in the states of Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. It resembles Q. similis in terms of floral morphology and fruit shape, but it is distinguished by the indumenta of leaves, leaf width, and seed shape.

— The present study updates the taxonomy of Quararibea in the Atlantic Forest of Southeast Brazil. After 130 yr, Quararibea penduliflora has once again been reported in Rio de Janeiro State. A new combination is proposed, Q. angustifolia , and a new species, Q. similis , is described. Descriptions, species identification keys, illustrations, and a new analysis of the morphology of domatia, aimed at using its diagnostic potential to circumscribe the species studied here, are provided.

The description of secretory structures in Malvaceae is controversial, and results in conflicting interpretations. Amid conflicting interpretations, therefore, the present study aims to describe the ontogeny diversity and histochemistry in Ceiba, emphasizing the secretory structures in leaves of C. erianthos, C. jasminodora, C. pentandra, and C. speciosa. All analyzed species present mucilaginous, crystalliferous, and phenolic idioblasts. These structures are randomly arranged in the mesophyll, epidermis, petiole cortex, and parenchymatic tissue of the midrib. However, in C. jasminodora and C. pentandra, secretory structures are only found in the midrib area. The development of mucilaginous idioblasts is asynchronous and, when mature, they coalesce forming large structures full of mucilage. Clavate-type pluricellular glandular trichomes were also detected scattered randomly on both leaf surfaces. Their ontogeny is described, and histochemical tests showed the presence of lipophilic substances. Extrafloral nectaries were observed in the middle third of the midrib, on the abaxial side of the leaflets. They originate from the protoderm and ground meristem of the midrib cortex. It is expected that these results will help consolidate knowledge of secretory structures in Malvaceae, leading, in turn, to the elucidation of phylogenetic relationships.