SafePlants

Cape Mallow (Anisodontea capensis)

The Cape Mallow, scientifically known as Anisodontea capensis, is also commonly referred to as Cape African Queen and African Mallow.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has hairy stems and leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family)
• Tribe: Malveae
• Synonym: Malvastrum capensis (historical name)
• The genus Anisodontea comprises twenty-one species native to South Africa.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to South Africa, specifically the Cape Province.
• Part of the fynbos flora.
• Found on arid upper slopes of hills.
• Anisodontea scabrosa grows in diverse soils, often in disturbed ground, but chiefly on coastal sands at low altitudes.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• An upright sub-shrub with hairy stems and small, hairy, evergreen to semi-evergreen leaves.
• Leaves are lobed, toothed, ovate to triangular, and mid-green.
• Erect shrub, typically reaching a height of up to 80cm (2.6ft) and a spread of up to 60cm (1.9ft).
• Bears flowers similar to those of the Tree Mallow (Lavatera arborea).
• Some varieties, like the hybrid 'Tara's Pink', are larger and bushier.
• Flowers profusely from April to October and often continues later into the year.

Ecological Role

• Anisodontea species are generally hardy and able to withstand frost.

Cultivation

• Has been grown for over a century as a tender perennial pot plant.
• Prefers full sun and regular potting soil or average garden soil.
• Tip prune young plants to encourage bushiness (pruning group 9).
• Best planted in moist/damp, well-drained soil.
• Grows rapidly in full sun and regular potting soil or average garden soil.
• Can be brought indoors before frost in fall.

Varieties and Hybrids

• 'Slightly Strawberry': Pink soft pink flowers with a raspberry eye and veins.
• 'Barely Boysenberry': A pink hybrid.
• 'Lady in Pink': Carries a profusion of medium-sized strawberry pink flowers.
• 'Elegant Lady': A fast-growing shrub with dark green tri-lobed aromatic leaves.
• 'Cristal Rose': A frost-tender evergreen shrub.
• 'El Royo': Displays hibiscus-like pink flowers.
• 'Very Cranberry'
• 'Tara's Pink': Larger and bushier than most, with larger pink flowers.