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Description
Malva Thuringiaca, commonly known as Thuringian mallow, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. It is native to Europe and Western Asia and can grow up to a height of 60 to 100 cm. The plant has a taproot system and bears large, pink-purple flowers with dark purple veins from June to September. The leaves of Malva Thuringiaca are alternate, heart-shaped, and three-lobed with serrated edges.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Malva |
Appearance
Malva Thuringiaca has a bushy growth habit and can spread up to a width of 60 cm. The plant has hairy stems and leaves, which are green on the upper side and pale green on the lower side. The flowers are showy, large, and cup-shaped with five petals and a diameter of 3 to 5 cm. The petals have a velvety texture and can range from pink to purple in color. The fruit of Malva Thuringiaca is a disc-shaped schizocarp that splits into segments, each containing a single seed.
Care Guide
Malva Thuringiaca is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in most soil types. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:
Water: Malva Thuringiaca requires moderate watering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil pH.
Sunlight: Malva Thuringiaca requires full sun to partial shade exposure for optimal growth.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Malva Thuringiaca is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it can be affected by the following:
Aphids: These tiny insects can cause curling of leaves and stunted growth. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations.
Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and stippling of leaves. Use a miticide to control infestations.
Rust: This fungal disease can cause orange or brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Habitat
Malva Thuringiaca is native to Europe and Western Asia and can be found growing in fields, pastures, and waste areas. The plant requires full sun to partial shade exposure and can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Malva Thuringiaca a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Malva Thuringiaca has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.Q: Can Malva Thuringiaca be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate its taproot system.Q: Does Malva Thuringiaca attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant’s showy flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.Q: How long does Malva Thuringiaca bloom?
A: The plant blooms from June to September.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Malva Thuringiaca:
- Malva moschata
- Malva sylvestris
- Malva neglecta
- Malva verticillata
References
- Bailey, L. H., & Bailey, E. Z. (1976). Hortus Third: A concise dictionary of plants cultivated in the United States and Canada.
- Dirr, M. A. (2009). Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs.
- Huxley, A. (1992). The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening.
- Royal Horticultural Society. (2021). Malva thuringiaca.
