Anisodontea is a genus of about 19 species of flowering shrubs in the mallow family Malvaceae, placed in the tribe Malveae within the order Malvales. The genus is endemic to southern Africa, with all species native to South Africa and Lesotho.
Plants in the genus are typically woody-based shrubs or subshrubs with toothed leaves bearing three or five uneven palmate lobes. The flowers are five-petaled and range in colour from pink to magenta, with streaks radiating from the centre; the calyx is pubescent and the stamens carry distinctively dark anthers. These ornamental features make Anisodontea species popular garden plants, particularly in temperate climates where they are grown as summer bedding or border plants in mild coastal gardens.
The genus comprises 19 accepted species, including well-known members such as Anisodontea capensis (the African mallow), which has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, and species such as Anisodontea gracilis, Anisodontea reflexa, and Anisodontea scabrosa. The genus was revised and named by D.M. Bates, and most accepted species carry his authorial abbreviation.
Distribution
Anisodontea is endemic to southern Africa, with all 19 accepted species native to South Africa and Lesotho. The genus has no naturally occurring members outside this region, though several species are widely cultivated in temperate gardens worldwide.
Cultivation
Members of Anisodontea are classed as half-hardy and thrive in cool-temperate climates. They are used as summer bedding plants and, in mild coastal areas, as permanent border shrubs. Seeds should be sown in spring; half-hardened cuttings taken in summer require bottom heat to root successfully. Plants do best in loam-based gritty compost positioned in full sun. Anisodontea capensis (African mallow) holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
