Globemallow
Sphaeralcea Mallow Family ( Malvaceae ) Desert Globemallow, Desert Mallow, Apricot Mallow, Desert Hollyhock, Mal de Ojo, Sore-eye Poppy, Pink Eye Flower.
Perennial herb, ( 2 are annuals ), often growing in large clumps.
The star-shaped leaf hairs are an eye irritant to some people. Thus, the name Sore Eye Poppy or Pink Eye Flower.
There are 16 species of Globemallow -- genus Sphaeralcea -- in Arizona.
Height: Up To 20" - 40" Tall.
Flowers: Bright orange, but also occurs with white, yellow, light orange, red, pink, and purple flowers. Sometimes the same individual plant will have different color flowers (See Purple Variety Above.). Flowers have 5 petals up to about 1 1/2" in width. They appear in clusters at the upper part of the stems.
Blooming Time: Year - Round, Especially February - April. They reflower from August to frost, in response to the summer rains.
Leaves: Green to gray - green, 3-lobed, scalloped-edged leaves. 0.5-2.5" long, ovate, 3 shallow lobes, scalloped edges. The leaves are alternate and palmately veined.
Seeds: The globe - shaped seedpod, surrounded by the persistent calyx, separates at maturity into 7 to 22 kidneyshaped sections. Each section produces 1 to 3 kidney - shaped seeds about 1/16 inch long, very dark brown.
Found: Statewide. Very common in the Phoenix and Tucson areas.
Elevation: Below 3,500 Feet.
Habitat: Statewide - Hillsides, Roadsides, Flats, Sandy Plains. In towns they are largely confined to roadsides, borders of cultivated lands, fields, sidewalks, vacant lots, and drainage areas.
Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken March 16, 2005 near Lake Pleasant.
