Malva moschata
Musk Mallow ( Malva moschata)
The Musk Mallow ( Malva moschata ) belongs to the subfamily of Malvoideae within the family (Malvaceae ) and is also called Hibiscus Abelmoschus or Indian Mallow. This light pink to white flowering plant is an ancient medicinal plant. It is an example of a neophyte, who was aware of several centuries ago introduced by man.
Description
The Musk Mallow is a perennial herbaceous plant. It reaches a height of from 20 to 60 cm. The upper leaves are divided to the base into five to seven sections, which in turn in further sections. The individual sections are narrow and the edges run approximately in parallel. The lower leaves are palmately divided roughly in half.
The axillary inflorescences consist of one to three flowers. The flowers are white to off-white pink and smell like musk. The five petals are usually 2 to 2.5 cm long. In the subfamily Malvoideae the many stamens are fused into a tube surrounding the stamp, the so-called Columna.
The Musk Mallow reproduces by self - pollination or insect. It flowers from June to October.
Dissemination
The plant is common in Europe. It tolerates no salt or heavy metals. They settled nutrient-rich, not too dry soils in shrub and perennial weeds corridors, as well as fresh meadows that are not mowed before flowering phase. It prefers to grow at much direct light. The Musk Mallow is not protected in Germany and is not subject to international protection agreements.
More Photos
Musk Mallow, inflorescence ( Malva moschata)
Musk Mallow, single flower ( Malva moschata)
Flowers and buds ( Malva moschata)