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Description
Malvastrum Coromandelianum, commonly known as the Indian Mallow, is a shrub belonging to the family of Malvaceae. It is a fast-growing, evergreen plant that can reach up to 3 meters in height. The plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. It is widely cultivated for its ornamental value and medicinal properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Malvastrum |
Appearance
The Indian Mallow has a dense and bushy growth habit, with woody stems and branches. The leaves are simple, alternate, and toothed, measuring up to 10 cm in length. The flowers are borne singly or in clusters in the leaf axils, and are funnel-shaped, measuring about 2-3 cm in diameter. The petals are pink or purple, with a darker center. The fruit is a round capsule, containing numerous seeds.
Care Guide
The Indian Mallow is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once a week, or when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Fertilization: The plant benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soil, but can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Indian Mallow is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but may occasionally be affected by:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Fungal Diseases: The plant may be susceptible to root rot and leaf spot diseases, which can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and providing good air circulation.
Habitat
The Indian Mallow is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, and is commonly found in open forests, grasslands, and disturbed areas. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the medicinal value of the Indian Mallow?
A: The Indian Mallow has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections, digestive disorders, and skin conditions.
Q: Can the Indian Mallow be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Indian Mallow can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should I prune the Indian Mallow?
A: The Indian Mallow can be pruned in the early spring to promote bushier growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.
Q: Is the Indian Mallow toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence to suggest that the Indian Mallow is toxic to pets, but it is always a good idea to keep all plants out of reach of pets.
Related Plants
- Malva neglecta
- Malva sylvestris
- Abutilon
- Hibiscus
References
- “Malvastrum coromandelianum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c886.
- “Malvastrum coromandelianum.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:55834-1.
- “Malvastrum coromandelianum.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=117135.
