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Tree Mallow

Malva arborea

Malva arborea Malva arborea
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Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Malvales
Family:
Malvaceae (Mallow)
Also in this family:
Common Hollyhock, Common Lime, Common Mallow, Crimean Lime, Dwarf Mallow, Garden Mallow, Large-leaved Lime, Marsh Mallow, Musk Mallow, Rough Mallow, Smaller Tree Mallow, Small-leaved Lime
Type:
Semi-evergreen shrub
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
3 metres tall
Habitats:
Rocky places, sand dunes, sea cliffs, seaside, wasteland.

Flower:
֍
Pink, 5 petals
 
The flowers of the Tree Mallow are delicate yet striking, typically borne in clusters along tall, erect stems that can reach heights of up to 2 meters. Each flower consists of five slightly notched petals, usually in shades of pale pink to lavender, occasionally white, creating a soft and inviting appearance. The blooms are saucer-shaped with prominent veining on the petals, giving them a textured and intricate look up close. They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies with their nectar, adding a lively buzz of activity to gardens or natural habitats where they flourish.
Fruit:
The fruit of the Tree Mallow is a small, round capsule that forms after the flowers have been pollinated and faded. These capsules are typically about 1 cm in diameter and are segmented into multiple chambers containing seeds. When mature, the capsules split open, releasing numerous small, kidney-shaped seeds that are dark brown to black in color. These seeds are lightweight and can be dispersed by wind or carried short distances by animals, aiding in the plant's reproduction and spread across its habitat.
Leaves:
The leaves of the Tree Mallow are distinctive and contribute to its overall ornamental appeal. They are palmately lobed, typically with 5 to 7 lobes that radiate from a central point, resembling a hand shape. The leaves are soft to the touch, often velvety or hairy, particularly on the undersides, which can give them a silvery-green appearance. Their texture and coloration make them stand out in gardens or natural settings, complementing the plant's tall, slender stems and delicate flowers. These leaves provide a lush backdrop to the Tree Mallow's floral display while also contributing to its resilience in various environmental conditions.
Aroma:
The Tree Mallow (Malva arborea) is not particularly known for its fragrance. Unlike some other plants in the Malva genus, which may have a subtle sweet scent, Malva arborea generally does not have a noticeable fragrance associated with its flowers or foliage. Its appeal lies more in its ornamental qualities, including its tall stature, delicate blooms, and attractive foliage, rather than its olfactory characteristics.
Other Names:
French Hollyhock, High Mallow, Lavatera, Malva.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Other Information

Summary

Malva arborea, also known as the "Tree Mallow" or "High Mallow," is a perennial plant in the Malvaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and can grow up to 10 feet tall, making it one of the tallest species in the Malva genus. The leaves are large and lobed, and the flowers are typically pink or purple. Like other species in the Malva genus, it has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. It is also grown as an ornamental plant for its large and striking flowers.

Blog

Tree Mallow (Malva arborea), also known as the French hollyhock or malva, is a shrub native to the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the Malvaceae family, which also includes cotton and hibiscus. This beautiful plant is prized for its attractive foliage and stunning flowers, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping.

Physical Characteristics of Tree Mallow

Tree Mallow is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall, with a spread of about 6 feet. The plant has a woody stem and branches, and the leaves are green, lobed, and resemble those of a hollyhock. The flowers, which bloom from spring to autumn, are large and showy, with petals that range in color from pink to purple. The plant's fruit is a disc-shaped capsule that contains numerous seeds.

Cultivation and Care

Tree Mallow is an easy plant to grow and care for, making it an excellent choice for novice gardeners. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but can tolerate partial shade and a variety of soil types. Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.

Propagation of Tree Mallow can be done by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in the spring, and cuttings should be taken in the autumn. The plant can be pruned in the winter to maintain its shape and promote new growth.

Uses of Tree Mallow

Tree Mallow is a versatile plant that has a variety of uses. In traditional medicine, the leaves and flowers of the plant have been used to treat a range of ailments, including respiratory infections, skin irritations, and digestive issues. The plant is also used in cosmetics and skincare products due to its soothing and moisturizing properties.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Tree Mallow is also used for landscaping and ornamental purposes. Its large, showy flowers and attractive foliage make it a popular choice for gardens, parks, and other public spaces. The plant is also often used as a hedge or screen due to its size and dense growth habit.

Tree Mallow is a beautiful and versatile plant that is well-suited for a variety of uses. Whether you are looking for a low-maintenance plant for your garden, a natural remedy for common ailments, or an ornamental shrub for your landscaping project, Tree Mallow is an excellent choice. With its stunning flowers and easy cultivation, it is sure to be a favorite among gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike.

More Information about Tree Mallow

Tree Mallow (Malva arborea) has been cultivated for its medicinal and ornamental uses for centuries. It was traditionally used by ancient Greeks and Romans to treat a variety of ailments, including sore throats, respiratory infections, and digestive issues. In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant was also used for food and fiber.

Today, Tree Mallow is still used in traditional medicine in some parts of the world. The leaves and flowers are used to make a tea or infusion that is said to have soothing and healing properties. The plant is also used in cosmetics and skincare products due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties.

In terms of its ornamental uses, Tree Mallow is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping projects due to its striking appearance. The large, showy flowers and attractive foliage make it a standout plant in any setting. The plant is often used as a hedge or screen, as well as in mixed borders and as a focal point in a garden.

Tree Mallow is also important for its role in the ecosystem. The plant is a valuable source of food and habitat for a variety of insects, including bees and butterflies. It is also a host plant for the caterpillars of certain butterfly species, such as the Painted Lady butterfly.

In terms of conservation, Tree Mallow is not currently considered endangered or threatened. However, like many plant species, it is at risk due to habitat loss and degradation. It is important to protect and conserve this valuable plant and its habitat to ensure its continued existence for future generations.

Tree Mallow (Malva arborea) is a versatile and valuable plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal and ornamental properties. Whether you are interested in its traditional medicinal uses, its stunning appearance in a garden or landscaping project, or its importance in the ecosystem, Tree Mallow is a plant that is sure to impress and inspire.

In addition to its traditional medicinal uses, ornamental value, and ecological importance, Tree Mallow also has cultural significance. In some parts of the Mediterranean, the plant is associated with love and romance. In ancient Greek mythology, the plant was said to have been created by the goddess Aphrodite, who was the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. It was believed that if a person placed the leaves of the Tree Mallow under their pillow, they would dream of their future lover.

The plant has also been used in religious ceremonies and festivals. In Spain, it is associated with the feast of San Juan, which celebrates the summer solstice. During the festival, the plant is used to decorate altars and homes, and is also used in traditional dishes.

In terms of culinary uses, Tree Mallow has been used for food and fiber for centuries. The leaves and flowers of the plant are edible and can be used in salads, soups, and stews. The leaves can also be used to make a tea or infusion. In addition, the plant has been used to make fiber for textiles, paper, and cordage.

Overall, Tree Mallow is a plant that has a rich history and cultural significance. Whether you are interested in its traditional medicinal uses, its ornamental value, its ecological importance, or its cultural significance, Tree Mallow is a plant that is sure to captivate and inspire. With its stunning appearance, ease of cultivation, and versatile uses, it is no wonder that this plant has been cherished for centuries and continues to be a beloved plant today.

30 Tremendous Tree Mallow Facts

Here are 30 fascinating facts about Tree Mallow (Malva arborea):

  1. Tree Mallow, or Malva arborea, is also known as the Island Tree Mallow.
  2. It belongs to the Malvaceae family, which includes hibiscus and okra.
  3. The Tree Mallow is native to the Canary Islands and Madeira.
  4. It is widely cultivated in gardens for its attractive flowers and foliage.
  5. Tree Mallow can grow up to 2 meters tall.
  6. The flowers of Tree Mallow are typically pink to lavender in color.
  7. They bloom in clusters along tall stems from late spring to early summer.
  8. Tree Mallow attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
  9. Its leaves are palmately lobed and have a velvety texture.
  10. The leaves are edible and can be used in salads or cooked as greens.
  11. Tree Mallow is tolerant of coastal conditions and sandy soils.
  12. It prefers full sun to partial shade.
  13. The plant can self-seed and naturalize in suitable habitats.
  14. In the wild, Tree Mallow can form dense thickets.
  15. It is sometimes grown as a windbreak or erosion control plant.
  16. Tree Mallow has been historically used in herbal medicine.
  17. The seeds of Tree Mallow are dispersed by wind.
  18. It is easy to grow from seed or cuttings.
  19. Tree Mallow is relatively drought tolerant once established.
  20. It can withstand light frosts but prefers milder climates.
  21. The flowers of Tree Mallow are used in some natural dye processes.
  22. In traditional folklore, Tree Mallow is associated with protection and healing.
  23. It has been introduced to other regions with similar climates.
  24. Tree Mallow can be pruned to maintain a more compact shape.
  25. It is generally pest and disease resistant.
  26. Tree Mallow flowers are attractive to hummingbirds in some regions.
  27. The plant is sometimes used in coastal landscaping projects.
  28. Tree Mallow can be propagated by division.
  29. It has cultural significance in some indigenous Canary Islands communities.
  30. Tree Mallow is a resilient and visually appealing addition to gardens and landscapes.

These facts provide a comprehensive overview of the Tree Mallow's characteristics and uses.

Video

Tree Mallow filmed on the coast at Mousehole in Cornwall on the 7th June 2024.

 

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Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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