Tree Mallow
Malva arborea
- Native to:
- Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Corse, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, NW. Balkan Pen., Palestine, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia, Türkiye
Gogerr
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Malvaceae
- Genus:
- Malva
- Species:
- Malva arborea
- USDA Symbol:
- LAAR2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Biennial | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Subshrub
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple, magenta
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
cotton tipworm (Crocidosema plebejana), Platyedra subcinerea
Reported Fauna Sightings
Hummingbirds: Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to coastal areas, tolerates saline conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Scarification or soaking in warm water improves germination. Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.