Tree Mallow
Common name
Lavatera arborea, Malva dendromorpha, bush mallow, Cornish tree mallow, lavatera, and velvet tree mallow
Botanical name
Malva arborea
Family
Malvaceae
Details
This robust biennial herb typically grows erect, featuring a solitary stem. Initially covered in fine hair during its youth, the stem matures to a hairless, woody texture at its base. Its large leaves, measuring up to 20cm in width, boast 5-7 lobes and a velvety texture.
The striking deep pink flowers, adorned with purple veins, bloom in clusters at the apex and along the upper segments of the stem, typically from August to May.
After flowering, the plant produces fruit capsules containing 6-8 seeds each, contributing to its propagation.
Native to regions encompassing North-western Africa such as northern Algeria and Tunisia, as well as the Azores, the Madeira Islands, the Canary Islands, and western and southern Europe, Tree mallow thrives in diverse climates.
The striking deep pink flowers, adorned with purple veins, bloom in clusters at the apex and along the upper segments of the stem, typically from August to May.
After flowering, the plant produces fruit capsules containing 6-8 seeds each, contributing to its propagation.
Native to regions encompassing North-western Africa such as northern Algeria and Tunisia, as well as the Azores, the Madeira Islands, the Canary Islands, and western and southern Europe, Tree mallow thrives in diverse climates.
Diameter
1.00
Forest layer
shrub
Height (m)
1-3 meters
Flowers
Pink
Drought tolerance
Evergreen
Shade / Sun
Full sun - part shade
Soil type
Most
Related
The enemy of my enemy is my friend
Over the past few years we (and others out there) have been experiencing an explosion in the number of green shield / vegetable / stink bugs (Nezara viridula). We try and be accommodating to the various other creatures we share the world with, however these things are especially annoying with the damage they do to summer vegetables and fruit. In particular we find they enjoy tomatoes, beans and corn with lesser damage done to capsicums and fruit.
March 27, 2020
Nezara viridula - Shield, stink or green vegetable bugs
Details
This insect is native to South Africa and is a pest of vegetables with a wide host range including tomatoes, runner beans, sweet corn, passion fruit and peaches.
Eggs are laid in flat clusters or grids like tiny honeycomb, generally on the undersides of leaves.
After hatching, baby bugs or nymphs pass through five colourful stages (instars) before maturing into fully green adults.
Mature insects can fly clumsily for short distances and often over winter in or around buildings and amongst dry cabbage tree leaves.
Adults like sheltering or sunning amongst the leaves of tree mellow, which offers an excellent opportunity to catch and destroy large numbers quickly, just squish between 2 leaves.
Eggs are laid in flat clusters or grids like tiny honeycomb, generally on the undersides of leaves.
After hatching, baby bugs or nymphs pass through five colourful stages (instars) before maturing into fully green adults.
Mature insects can fly clumsily for short distances and often over winter in or around buildings and amongst dry cabbage tree leaves.
Adults like sheltering or sunning amongst the leaves of tree mellow, which offers an excellent opportunity to catch and destroy large numbers quickly, just squish between 2 leaves.
Pest