Tree Mallow
Lavatera maritima, Mallow Family: ( Malvaceae ), Tree Mallow. Also called: .
This is a very popular landscaping plant in arizona and it is considered an evergreen deciduous shrub. It is a a soft - branched shrub growing to up to about 6 feet tall and about 5 - 6 feet wide.
Height: Evergreen bush slowly growing to about 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide.
Flowers: The light purple flower consists of an epicalyx of 3 segments, a calyx of 5 sepals, a corolla of 5 petals, an androecium and a gynoecium. The outer parts of the petals are a pale purple to white, with darker veins. The veins converge and darken to make the base a medium-deep purple.
Blooming Time: Mid February - November.
Leaves: The leaves are alternately (one per node), subtended by two stipules. They are tomentose, simple, sub-orbicular, palmately 5-lobed and crenate. They are 5 cm wide and 4 cm long. The leaves near the base of the plant have round, shallow lobes.
Found: Found throughout lower elevations in Arizona.
Elevation: 0 - 1800 Feet.
Habitat: Alkaline, well-drained/light soils. An ideal Xeriscape Landscape Plant in Arizona. Native of the Western Mediterranean Basin.
Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken March 24, 2003. Glendale.
