What is "modiola"

Modiola is a monotypic genus of plants in the mallow family containing the single species Modiola caroliniana, which is known by several common names, including bristly-fruited mallow, Carolina bristlemallow, babosilla, and redflower mallow. It is a creeping perennial which is probably native to South America but which is widely naturalized throughout the tropical and warmer temperate world.