Error message
Unable to fetch location details at this time.
Wax Mallow (Turk's Cap)
Malvaviscus arboreus
30.0648, -97.1656
Field Notes
Description:
Family: Mallow (Malvaceae)
<br><br>
Height:3-4' (.9-1.2m)
<br><br>
Flower: bright red flower, 3/4-1 1/2" (2-4cm) long, has 5 broad petals twisted around each other (never unfurling) and long, protruding, redflower parts (stamens)
<br><br>
Leaf: broad velvety leaves, 3-5" (7.5-13cm) long, have 3 shallow lobes, heart shaped bases, round-toothed margins and long stalks; upright, woody, widely branched stems.
<br><br>
Fruit: apple-shaped green capsule, 1" (2.5cm) long, turns red
Habitat:
Bloom: spring, summer, fall
<br><br>
Origin: perennial; native
<br><br>
Habitat: partly shaded damp areas on hills, woodland edges, along creeks
<br><br>
Range: central, southeastern, and coastal Texas
Notes:
"Wax" in the common name is for the waxy appearance of the red petals. Sometimes called Turk's Cap for the resemblance of the closed blossom to a Turkish turban. The large amount of sweet flower nectar attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Flowers and fruit are edible, and the flower yields a red dye. This abundant shrubby perennial is frequently cultivated in gardens in the South. Prune in early spring, as only the new growth sprouts flowers.
<br><br>
Wildflowers of Texas Field Guide, Nora and Rick Bowers, Stan Tekiela, Adventure Publications Inc, Cambridge Minnesota, 2009
<br><br>
Other nicknames for the flower include: Turk's cap or Turkscap, Drummond's turkscap, Wax mallow, Drummond wax-mallow, Red mallow, Texas mallow, Mexican apple, Manzanilla, Sleeping hibiscus, Bleeding hearts
Comments (0)
Be the first to comment
Sign in to comment