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Wax mallow

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.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Wax mallow

1

Showy red flowers with curled petals, attracting birds and butterflies.

2

Vibrant red fleshy capsules housing 3-4 seeds, conspicuous when mature.

3

Downy green leaves, broadly cordate or ovate-cordate, 6-12 cm (2.4-4.7 in) long.

4

Freely-branching shrub up to 15 feet (4.6 m) tall and 12 feet (3.7 m) wide.

5

Stamen and stigma extend beyond upright red petals in the showy flowers.

Wax mallowWax mallowWax mallowWax mallowWax mallow

Detailed Traits of Wax mallow

Leaf Features

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.

Leaf Shape

Cordate

Wax mallow Leaf Shape image
Leaf Base

Cordate ,
Cuneate ,
Circular

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Margin

Undulate

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Flower Features

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.

Wax mallow Flower imageWax mallow Flower imageWax mallow Flower image
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Fruit Features

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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Key Facts About Wax mallow

Attributes of Wax mallow
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
30 cm to 60 cm
Spread
2.5 m to 3.5 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
2 cm
Flower Color
Red
White
Pink
Fruit Color
Red
Stem Color
Green
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Scientific Classification of Wax mallow

Family
Mallow
Icon allow
Species
Wax mallow (Malvaviscus arboreus)
Learn More About the Wax mallow

Distribution Map of Wax mallow

The native range of wax mallow spans from northwestern South America through Central America to Texas. It grows in moist areas in coastal sites, disturbed areas, forests, and riversides, so its introduction into the Caribbean countries and the U.S. state of Hawaii makes sense. Other areas of introduction are select countries in central Africa and across the south of Asia. It has been widely cultivated as a garden ornamental around the world but has become invasive in over a dozen countries.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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