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gaymallow

Scientific Name: Batesimalva

Family: Malvaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Batesimalva violacea: The Purple Gaymallow

This page provides information about Batesimalva violacea, also known as Purple Gaymallow, and Lavatera thuringiaca, known as Gay Mallow or Tree Mallow.

Common Names

  • Purple Gaymallow (for Batesimalva violacea)
  • Gay Mallow (for Lavatera thuringiaca or Batesimalva)
  • Tree Mallow, Tree Lavatera (for Lavatera thuringiaca)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Batesimalva violacea (Rose) Fryxell
  • Scientific Name: Lavatera thuringiaca Linnaeus
  • Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family)
  • Genus: Batesimalva Fryxell
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: Althaea ambigua (de Candolle) Alefeld (for garden tree-mallow)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Lavatera thuringiaca is native to eastern Europe and southwestern Asia, ranging from southern Germany and Italy to southern Russia.
  • Batesimalva is native to North America, specifically the US Lower 48.
  • One documented location for Batesimalva violacea is Big Bend National Park, Brewster County, Texas.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Lavatera thuringiaca is sometimes called Tree Mallow due to its tree-like stance and large size. The cultivar 'Burgundy Wine' is mentioned, suggesting variations in appearance.
  • Batesimalva violacea is a perennial plant.

Additional Resources

  • Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS): ITIS Website
  • NatureServe
  • Species 2000 &amp ITIS Catalogue of Life
  • BISON (Biodiversity Information Serving Our Nation): BISON Web Link
  • Discover Life: Discover Life Website
  • Dave's Garden: An online community for gardeners.
  • Alamy: Stock photo library.