Kingdom Plantae Family Malvaceae Scientific name Lavatera assurgentiflora Rank Species | Order Malvales Genus Lavatera Higher classification Tree mallows | |
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Similar Tree mallows, Mallows, Malva nicaeensis, Cristaria, Malva subovata | ||
Lavatera assurgentiflora – now classified as Malva assurgentiflora, the island mallow, mission mallow, royal mallow, island tree mallow, malva rosa, is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family.
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It is endemic to California, where it is native only to the Channel Islands. It can also be found growing as an escapee from cultivation in coastal mainland California.
Description
Malva assurgentiflora is a sprawling perennial herb or bushy shrub generally exceeding a meter tall and approaching four meters in maximum height. The leaves are up to 15 centimeters long and wide and are divided into 5 to 7 toothed lobes.
The showy flowers have five dark-veined deep pink petals which are somewhat rectangular in shape and 2.5 to 4.5 centimeters long. The disc-shaped fruit is divided into 6 or 8 segments each containing a seed.
Uses
Malva assurgentiflora is grown as an ornamental plant in traditional, native plant, water conserving, and wildlife gardens, and in natural landscaping projects. It can be planted as a large hedge and/or windbreak.