Anisodontea capensis aka Cape African Queen

Taxonomy

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 Mallow

How to care for Cape African Queen

Difficulty

Caring for Cape African Queen is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Cape African Queen should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

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.

Lighting

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.

Toxicity

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.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Cape African Queen as it grows vertically.


More info:
Wikipedia