Anisodontea capensis aka Cape African Queen
Taxonomy ID: 5509
Anisodontea capensis, also known as African mallow, dwarf hibiscus, Cape mallow, and false mallow, is an upright sub-shrub native to South Africa. It belongs to the tribe Malveae in the family Malvaceae. This evergreen plant has hairy stems and small, hairy leaves. The flowers, resembling small hibiscus blooms, range from pale pink to dark red-purple and appear during the summer and autumn seasons. Anisodontea capensis has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit for its ornamental value. It is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in morning sun and partial shade in the afternoon. With its dense foliage, it can be pruned into a tree-form topiary specimen, adding to its versatility and appeal. In southern temperate climates, Cape Mallow can bloom profusely from spring until frost or even all year long.
Common names
Cape African Queen, Cape Mallow, South African MallowMore information about Cape African Queen
How difficult is it to take care of Cape African Queen
Caring for Cape African Queen is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
What is the growth pattern and size of Cape African Queen?
New growth will sprout from the top of the Cape African Queen as it grows vertically.
What are the water needs for Cape African Queen
Cape African Queen should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Cape African Queen
Cape African Queen loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Cape African Queen
Cape African Queen requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Cape Mallow is always in the right place to thrive.
Is Cape African Queen toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
More info:
Wikipedia