Alkali Mallow
Malvella leprosa
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Mexico, Peru, United States, Uruguay
Spegazzini, Cárlos
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Malvaceae
- Genus:
- Malvella
- Species:
- Malvella leprosa
- USDA Symbol:
- MALE3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pale yellow
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Tischeria omissa, Zenodoxus canescens, Columella Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon columella), Laviana white-skipper (Heliopetes lavianus), Pyrgus albescens, Small Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus scriptura), West Coast Lady (Vanessa annabella)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:Common Checkered-skipper (Burnsius communis), Small Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus scriptura)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from deep taproot following fire or mechanical disturbance. Common in disturbed alkaline soils.
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:
- Commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions.
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Scarification of the hard seed coat improves germination rates. Seeds may germinate readily after mechanical scarification.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI