Mallow Allies
What are they?
The mallows form the major part of the family Malvaceae and can typically be identified by their pink or purplish, five-petalled flowers, palmately-lobed leaves and clusters of rounded nutlets. However, the mallow family also contains a handful of other species that are not so readily identified as being mallows and these species are covered here.
Where are they found?
Species in this group are mostly rather rare casuals of dusturbed ground. Some were formerly more common as accidental introductions when the wool trade was more important in the region but are now more likely as occasional plants of allotments and gardens from bird seed and old compost sources.
Identification
Flowers in this group are typically five-petalled, the petals being either broad and overlapping, or narrowing at the base, sometimes to leave basal gaps between the petals. For some of the group, it is worth noting details of the green base of the flower. The combination of flower colour, leaf detail and seed capsule features should make these easy plants to identify.
Bladder Ketmia Hibiscus trionum
Introduced from the Mediterranean region. A rather rare annual species that has been grown for ornament in the past but now more likely to be a rare casual from spilt bird seed. Flowers July to August. Leaves deeply fingered with lobed edges to the leaflets. The seed pods inflate after flowering to form bladder-like globes.
| |
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
|
Velvetleaf Abutilon theophrasti
Introduced from the eastern Mediterranean region. A rare, annual species that occasionally appears as a crop weed, from spilt bird seed or in chicken runs, around grain silos and similar places. Flowers July to August or later. Leaves heart-shaped and with the most amazingly soft, plush-velvet feel! Seed capsules inflated and with strongly ribbed sides and spiked tops.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
|
Prickly Mallow Sida spinosa
Introduced from the tropics. A very rare, annual species that has been recorded on waste ground just a couple of times in the region. Flowers July to August. Leaves simple with toothed margins. Stems with two prickles at the base of each leaf stalk. A slender, wiry plant that is easily overlooked, even when in flower.
 |
|
 |
 |
| |
|
|
|