Lavatera arborea
Malvaceae
May to September
It is found all around the coast except for parts of the
North.
It is found inland in a few places.
See the BSBI distribution map for Tree-mallow
Tree-mallow grows in mild areas close to the coast.
It is native in the West and Southwest and a garden
escape in the East, South and Southeast.
Tree-mallow is a native, woody, tree-like, biennial herb,
growing up to 3m.
Flowers are 3 to 4cm across, with 5 overlapping, rose-
purple petals marked with deep purple veins.
The flowers are supported by a cup of 3 epicalyx lobes,
which are joined at the base.
Stamens and anthers are produced before the styles
and stigmas.
Seeds are formed in a flat disc with 3 oval calyx lobes.
Leaves are greyish, velvety and up to 20cm long.
Some are rounded and others have several triangular
lobes.
The stem is woody below and persistent.
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Tree-mallow, Bryher, Isles of Scilly
Flower with stamens and anthers prominent
Flower with styles prominent - anthers and pollen below
Close-up of stigmas with pollen grains attached
Flower supported by 3 epicalyx segments -joined at base
Young fruits with spreading epicalyx lobes
Mature fruiting body
Velvety, lobed leaf
Tree Mallow at West Bay, Dorset.
Foliage hiding flowers
Flowers after foliage moved aside
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