

How to identify Wax mallow (Malvaviscus arboreus)
Wax mallow, also known as Turk's turban, Scotchman's purse, Mexican Apple
Wax mallow is a freely-branching shrub that can reach up to 15 feet (4.6 meters) in height and 12 feet (3.7 meters) in width. It has downy green leaves with slight lobes and presents showy flowers with upright red petals that only partly unfurl, revealing the tips of the stigma and stamens. These bright flowers typically appear throughout most of the year. It can be pruned to maintain a smaller, denser form, suitable for hedging. The central stamen and stigma column are prominent, extending beyond the petals. The flowers attract birds, butterflies, and bees.
Showy red flowers with curled petals, attracting birds and butterflies.
Vibrant red fleshy capsules housing 3-4 seeds, conspicuous when mature.
Downy green leaves, broadly cordate or ovate-cordate, 6-12 cm (2.4-4.7 in) long.
Freely-branching shrub up to 15 feet (4.6 m) tall and 12 feet (3.7 m) wide.
Stamen and stigma extend beyond upright red petals in the showy flowers.
The leaves of wax mallow are alternately arranged and have a stalk. They are broadly cordate to ovate-cordate in shape, sometimes displaying tri-lobed or smooth margins. Each leaf measures between 6-12 cm (2.4-4.7 inches) in length and 2.5-10 cm (1-3.9 inches) in width. They exhibit a prominent vein pattern that extends from the base, providing structural integrity. The texture is typically smooth, with a vibrant green color that may vary slightly based on environmental conditions.
The flowers of wax mallow are characterized by their vibrant red color and tubular shape. These single blooms appear at the leaf axils and measure about 2-3.5 cm (0.8-1.4 inches) in length. Each flower consists of five petals that remain curled inward, giving a partially opened appearance. The flowers do not emit a strong scent and mainly bloom from late spring to early fall, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies due to their color and shape.
The fruits of wax mallow are fleshy capsules, ripening to a vibrant red. Typically measuring around 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, these fruits contain 3-4 small seeds within. Their texture is smooth and slightly glossy, making them visually distinguishable. The bright red color is striking and easily noticeable, contributing to their appeal. These key features are essential for identifying the fruit of wax mallow, making it a unique and attractive specimen in the garden or wild.
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Scientific Classification of Wax mallow