Malva arborea aka Tree Mallow

Taxonomy

Malva arborea, also known as Lavatera arborea or Malva eriocalyx, is a species of mallow native to the coasts of western Europe and the Mediterranean region. It is a biennial or short-lived perennial with a bushy habit, reaching heights of up to 2 meters and spreading 1-2 meters wide. The foliage is semi-evergreen, with lobed to semi-palmate leaves measuring 8-10cm wide, and serrated margins. In the summer, the plant produces cup-shaped flowers that are 4cm wide, ranging in shades of pink to dark pink, with dark pink veining towards the throat. Velvet Tree-Mallow, belonging to the family Malvaceae, is another name for Malva arborea. It is a shrub that can grow between 1.64 to 9.8 feet (0.5-3 meters) in height. While native to the Mediterranean region, it has spread widely throughout Europe and North Africa. The flowers of Velvet Tree-Mallow are pink or lilac and have crinkled and finely veined petals. They are typically clustered at the ends of branches and have a diameter of about 1.2-1.6 inches (3-4 cm). The leaves of this plant are velvety to the touch and have five to nine lobes, ranging from 3.7-7 inches (8-18 cm) in diameter. Overall, Malva arborea, also known as Velvet Tree-Mallow, is a versatile plant that thrives in various habitats. However, it is considered an invasive species in some regions.

Common names

Tree Mallow, Sea Tree Mallow

How to care for Tree Mallow

Water

Tree Mallow should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Tree Mallow 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

Tree Mallow thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Sea Tree Mallow.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Growth-pattern

Tree Mallow grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.


More info:
Wikipedia