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Description
Malvella Leprosa, also known as Bush Mallow or Leprosa Mallow, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This plant is an annual herb that grows up to 30 cm tall and has soft, hairy leaves. The flowers of Malvella Leprosa are bright pink or purple with a yellow center, and they bloom from April to October.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Malvella |
Appearance
Malvella Leprosa is a small plant that has a bushy and spreading growth habit. Its leaves are alternate and ovate, about 2-3 cm long and 1-2 cm wide, and covered with fine hairs. The flowers of Malvella Leprosa are about 2 cm in diameter and have five petals that are bright pink or purple with a yellow center. The fruit of this plant is a small, round capsule that contains several seeds.
Care Guide
Malvella Leprosa is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips on how to take care of it:Water: Water the plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season.Soil: Plant Malvella Leprosa in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Malvella Leprosa is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Malvella Leprosa is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. To prevent these pests, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Root rot can also be a problem if the soil is too wet, so be sure to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Habitat
Malvella Leprosa is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in dry, rocky areas and along roadsides. It prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate hot and dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Malvella Leprosa be grown in containers?A: Yes, Malvella Leprosa can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container has sufficient drainage holes.Q: How often should I fertilize Malvella Leprosa?A: Fertilize the plant every two to three weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Q: Is Malvella Leprosa a perennial or an annual plant?A: Malvella Leprosa is an annual plant.Q: Can Malvella Leprosa tolerate cold temperatures?A: No, Malvella Leprosa is not cold-hardy and should be grown in USDA zones 8-11.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Malvella Leprosa:- Malva arborea- Malva moschata- Malva sylvestris- Hibiscus syriacus- Abutilon megapotamicum
References
– “Malvella Leprosa.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MALE2. Accessed 12 July 2021.- “Malvella Leprosa (Torr. & Gray) Greene.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:55860-2. Accessed 12 July 2021.- “Malvella Leprosa.” Calflora, www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Malvella+leprosa. Accessed 12 July 2021.
