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Description
Malva Pusilla, also known as Little Mallow, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Malva family. It is an annual herb that grows up to 50cm tall and 30cm wide. The plant has a taproot system, which makes it drought-tolerant. It has small, light green leaves that are round to kidney-shaped, and its flowers are pink-purple with five petals. The plant blooms from June to September, and its fruit is a disc-shaped schizocarp.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Malva |
Appearance
The Malva Pusilla has small, light green leaves that grow up to 4cm in diameter. The leaves are round to kidney-shaped, with a serrated edge. The plant has a taproot system, which makes it drought-tolerant. Its flowers are pink-purple with five petals and are about 1cm in diameter. The plant blooms from June to September, and its fruit is a disc-shaped schizocarp.
Care Guide
The Malva Pusilla is an easy-to-care-for plant. It requires moderate watering and well-draining soil. The plant prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Malva Pusilla is susceptible to powdery mildew and rust. Powdery mildew appears as a white powder on the leaves, while rust appears as orange or brown spots. To prevent these diseases, make sure the plant is not overcrowded and has good air circulation. Aphids and spider mites may also attack the plant. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests.
Habitat
The Malva Pusilla is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced to other parts of the world. It grows in meadows, fields, and disturbed areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Malva Pusilla an annual or perennial plant?
A: The Malva Pusilla is an annual plant.
Q: What is the ideal growing condition for the Malva Pusilla?
A: The Malva Pusilla prefers full sunlight and moderate watering with well-draining soil.
Q: What are the common pests that attack the Malva Pusilla?
A: The common pests that attack the Malva Pusilla are aphids and spider mites.
Q: What is the blooming season of the Malva Pusilla?
A: The Malva Pusilla blooms from June to September.
Related Plants
- Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow)
- Malva moschata (Musk Mallow)
- Malva neglecta (Common Mallow)
References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MALP3
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/malva-pusilla
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/malva_pusilla.shtml
