| tree mallow | |
noun | |
| arborescent perennial shrub having palmately lobed furry leaves and showy red-purple flowers; southwestern United States |
tree mallow
(Lavatera arborea), biennial, herbaceous plant, of the hibiscus, or mallow, family (Malvaceae), native to Europe. It grows 1.2-3 metres (4-10 feet) tall and bears downy, lobed leaves 10-25 cm (4-10 inches) long. Purplish-red flowers about 5 cm (2 inches) wide are borne in profuse, leafy clusters. The cultivated variety L. arborea variegata has white-mottled leaves.
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