The Captivating History and Botany of the African Mallow Shrub
The vibrant African mallow shrub (Anisodontea capensis) has long captivated gardeners, herbalists and nature enthusiasts with its colorful blooms and versatility. As an ornamental plant medicinal herb, and culinary ingredient, this flowering shrub holds a fascinating history intertwined with African culture. Let’s explore the botany and origins of this eye-catching plant.
Native Habitat and Physical Characteristics
The African mallow shrub is indigenous to South Africa, particularly the Cape Provinces. It thrives in the region’s mild, coastal climates.
This perennial shrub reaches 2-4 feet tall and wide Its stems are upright and lightly branched, ranging from green to reddish-brown hues Soft, fuzzy hairs cover the stems and leaves.
The leaves are simple, 3-lobed, and have toothed margins. They grow in an alternate arrangement along the stems and reach 1-3 inches long.
From spring through fall, delicate 1-inch flowers bloom solitary or in pairs where the leaves meet the stems. Showy pinkish-purple petals surround a darker center.
Cultural Significance and Traditional Uses
For centuries, African cultures have prized this versatile shrub for its beauty and therapeutic properties. Its Zulu name, umhlabangubo, means “protecting charm” due to its traditional uses.
Various parts of the plant feature in African folk medicine. The leaves make a soothing tea to aid digestion. The roots are dried and ground into powder for snakebites or chest pains. Extracts from the flowers and leaves treat skin issues.
Beyond medicine, African mallow plays a role in rituals, ceremonies, and cuisine. Its sap produces a violet dye for clothing and skin decoration. The edible flowers and leaves add tart flavor to stews, salads, and beverages.
Global Spread and Modern Cultivation
Thanks to global trade and botanic exchange, African mallow now grows far beyond its native range. It is cultivated outdoors and as a houseplant worldwide in warm climates.
Several cultivars exist, like ‘Slightly Strawberry’ with vivid pink blooms. Dwarf varieties thrive in containers. The shrub’s heat and drought tolerance make it ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
Today, African mallow remains a beloved ornamental plant. Its nearly year-round flowers and hedge-friendly habit earn it a spot in butterfly gardens, borders, and patio planters.
Continuing Research Into Health Benefits
While used traditionally as medicine, researchers today are also studying African mallow’s nutritional and therapeutic potential.
The flowers and leaves are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. Early studies show they may help treat diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, and more.
Further research could uncover new pharmaceutical applications, adding to this plant’s long history of medicinal use.
A Botanical Wonder Rooted in African Traditions
With its bright blooms and diverse uses, the African mallow shrub remains a captivating plant species. Its resilience and beauty have earned it a place in gardens around the world.
Yet it holds special significance in its native South Africa. African cultures intertwined this versatile plant into their traditions, cuisine, medicine, and rituals for generations.
Though far from its ancestral home, African mallow retains strong ties to these indigenous practices. As we enjoy its flowers and foliage, we can reflect on the rich history rooted deeply within this botanical wonder.
Derivation of name and historical aspects
The name Anisodontea comes from the Greek aniso, referring to the leaves which are unevenly toothed. The species name scabrosa is derived from the Latin scaber, meaning rough to the touch, as felt in the harshly hairy leaves. The family Malvaceae has many important commercial agricultural crops including cotton (Gossypium), cacao and kenaf (stokroos in Afrikaans) which is cultivated for its fiber in many countries including South Africa. Well known garden shrubs such as Hibiscus and Abutilon are included in the family.
There are 21 species of Anisodontea in South Africa, predominantly in the karoo and fynbos.
Anisodontea scabrosa is sticky and smells of tar – for these reasons it is said to be unpalatable to grazing animals and preying insects (W.P.U Jackson, 1980). Honey bees and carpenter bees frequent the flowers.
Use as a decorative garden plant. It is a rewarding shrub for the home garden with year round blossoms. Plants respond well to pruning and long shoots can be trained into standards or topiary. Very suitable for growing as a pot plant and they can be used as bonsai specimens.
Excellent for the indigenous garden, Anisodontea scabrosa can form a delightful informal hedge in a cottage-style garden with its showy pink flowers and fresh green foliage. In a more formal setting they can be clipped to shape.
Grow from either seed sown in autumn; or tip and stem cuttings taken in spring and summer once the new shoots have become semi-hard. Use a well drained sandy soil medium. Transplant young plants before the new seasons growth; they do not handle too much disturbance at a later stage.
As in the wild, it should be grown in a well drained, warm, sunny spot with free air flow. They do not favour humid climates with hot wet summers. Should the plants not be well aired, white-fly may become a possible pest.
They tolerate light shade, but flower better in full sun. Feed with a slow release 3.1.5 for vigorous growth and water regularly throughout summer to promote abundant flowering. Being frost tolerant they are able to grow away from the coast.
- Bean, A. & Johns, A. 2005. Stellenbosch to Hermanus. South African Wild Flower Guide 5. Botanical Society of South Africa, Cape Town.
- Jackson, W.P.U. 1980. Wild Flowers of the Fairest Cape. Howard Timmins Publishers, Cape Town.
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvaceae http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenaf
- Leistner, O.A. (ed.). 2000. Seeds plants of southern Africa: families and genera. Strelitzia 10. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria.
- Nichols, G. 2008.The mallow thats pretty in pink (Anisodontea scabrosa): the indigenous garden. Farmers Weekly. March 2008.
- Trinder-Smith, T., Maytham Kidd, M. & Anderson, F. 2006. Wild Flowers of the Table Mountain National Park. South African Flower Guide 12. Botanical Society of South Africa, Cape Town.
Plant Type: Shrub
SA Distribution: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, Western Cape
Soil type: Sandy, Clay, Loam
Flowering season: Spring, Early Summer, Winter
PH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Flower colour: Purple, Pink
Aspect: Full Sun
Gardening skill: Average
Anisodontea scabrosa (L.) Bates
Family: Malvaceae
Common names: rough-leaf African mallow, sand rose, pink mallow, hairy mallow (Eng.); sandroos, pienk-kiesieblaar, harigemalva (Afr.)
Who can resist a bright cheerful shrub that flowers throughout the year? This mallow is ideally suited for home gardens being able to withstand coastal conditions and frost.
Anisodontea scabrosa is an evergreen perennial shrub of variable size but reaching heights of 2-3m. It has an upright branching habit with partially woody stems.
The aromatic leaves are soft with prominent veins, stiff hairs and are often sticky. The leaves are variable in shape mostly 3 lobed or elliptic and toothed; 20 – 70mm long.
Open, hibiscus-like blooms are light to dark pink 20 – 25mm in diameter; flowering all year but mostly during spring and early summer (September to December).
The fruit is 9-15 chambered, dry and dehiscent (opens spontaneously when ripe) producing small black seeds.
Anisodontea scabrosa has a wide distribution and is commonly found. Its status is therefore considered Least Concern.
Indigenous to South Africas winter rainfall areas, they are found widely distributed in sunny, sheltered, bushy places along the coast from Saldanha Bay, around the Cape Peninsula up to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Anisodontea scabrosa grows in diverse soils, often in disturbed ground but chiefly on coastal sands at low altitudes. They are hardy plants able to withstand frost.
Mallow Plant Nutrition, Foraging for Wild Edible Malva Leaves
FAQ
Where does the mallow plant come from?
What is the benefit of African mallow?
Where did tree mallow come from?
Is mallow native to North America?
Is African Mallow a hibiscus?
Striking when in bloom, award-winning Anisodontea capensis (African Mallow) is an upright evergreen sub-shrub boasting showy pink flowers with raspberry red centers and veins. Resembling small hibiscus, they bloom profusely from spring until frost or all year round in warm climates. The blossoms attract bees and butterflies.
What is a mallow plant?
mallow, any of several flowering plants in the hibiscus, or mallow, family ( Malvaceae ), especially those of the genera Hibiscus and Malva.
How big does African Mallow grow?
The blossoms attract bees and butterflies. The slender branches are sparsely covered with small, hairy, evergreen leaves. Low maintenance, drought and heat tolerant, African Mallow is a gem in the Mediterranean garden styles or patio containers, adding charm and color. Typically grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-36 in. wide (45-90 cm).
Is tree mallow a good plant?
This lovely South African native has been a regional favorite for over a century. It is gaining popularity worldwide for its easy care, and continuous display of blooms through the growing season. The flowers look like miniature versions of Tree Mallow. A very charming plant and an excellent choice for growing in a container.