Malachra

Description

Malachra is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. It comprises around 30 species of annual or perennial herbs, shrubs, or small trees. The genus is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Malachra plants are known for their showy flowers and attractive foliage, making them popular in gardens and as ornamental plants.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Malachra plants have alternate, simple, ovate or cordate leaves with serrated margins. The flowers are solitary or arranged in clusters, with five petals fused at the base to form a funnel-shaped corolla. The flowers come in a range of colors, including pink, purple, red, white, and yellow. The fruit is a schizocarp, splitting into several segments when ripe, each containing a single seed.

Care Guide

Water

Malachra plants prefer consistently moist soil, but not waterlogged. Watering once or twice a week should be sufficient, but adjust based on the conditions of your environment.

Fertilization

Feed Malachra plants every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

Soil

Malachra plants prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.

Sunlight

Malachra plants prefer full sun to partial shade.

Hardiness Zones

Malachra plants are typically hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Malachra plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but may occasionally be affected by spider mites, whiteflies, or leaf spot.

Habitat

Malachra plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. They grow in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, savannas, and forests.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Malachra plants be propagated from cuttings?

A: Yes, Malachra plants can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer.

Q: How often should Malachra plants be fertilized?

A: Malachra plants should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

Q: Are Malachra plants prone to any diseases?

A: Malachra plants are generally resistant to diseases, but may occasionally be affected by leaf spot.

Q: What is the natural habitat of Malachra plants?

A: Malachra plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia, and can be found in wetlands, savannas, and forests.

Related Plants

• Abutilon
• Hibiscus
• Sida
• Gossypium

References

• Bailey, L.H. (1949). Manual of Cultivated Plants. Macmillan.
• Fryxell, P.A. (1968). Malachra. In: Flora of Panama, Part III. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 55: 608–610.
• Govaerts, R. et al. (2021). Malachra. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2021-06-18.