Origin
Malvastrum capense auct. var. glabrescens Harv., also known as the Cape Mallow, is a native plant species of South Africa that can be found in various regions within the country such as the Western Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga. It can also be found in neighboring regions like Swaziland, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Common names
The plant Malvastrum capense auct. var. glabrescens Harv. is commonly known as Cape Mallow, Wild Hibiscus, Lavender Star, among others.
Uses
Malvastrum capense auct. var. glabrescens Harv. has several uses which include medicinal and ornamental uses. The leaves of the plant are edible and can be used in salads or cooked as a vegetable. It has been used in traditional medicine as a remedy for toothaches, colds, and flu. Additionally, the plant is widely used as an ornamental plant in landscaping and in gardens.
General appearance
The Cape Mallow is a herbaceous, perennial plant that grows up to 1.5 meters tall. The stems of the plant are woody and have a reddish-brown color. The leaves are alternate and have an orbicular, cordate shape with serrated edges. The flowers are solitary and are usually pink or purple in color with five petals. The blooms appear in summer and autumn, and they attract various pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds.
Light Requirements
Malvastrum capense auct. var. glabrescens Harv. enjoys full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but for ample flowering, it's best to place the plant in full sun or light shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from cool to warm. Although it prefers temperatures between 60°F to 77°F (15.5°C to 25°C), it can tolerate temperatures as low as 41°F (5°C) and as high as 104°F (40°C). In general, temperatures higher than 86°F (30°C) tend to induce dormancy in Malvastrum capense auct. var. glabrescens Harv.
Soil Requirements
This type of plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate some salinity, but it does not grow well in waterlogged soils. For the best results, amend the planting site with compost and organic matter before planting. Regular application of fertilizer will keep the plant healthy and vigorous.
Cultivation Methods
Malvastrum capense auct. var. glabrescens Harv. is a sun-loving plant that thrives in well-draining soil. It is recommended to start the plant from seed in the spring once the danger of frost has passed. Plant the seeds in peat pots and keep them in a warm and bright location until they germinate. Once the seedlings have emerged, they can be transplanted outdoors in a location that receives full sun. The plant can also be propagated by cuttings.
Watering Needs
The Malvastrum capense auct. var. glabrescens Harv. requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth. Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure that the water reaches the roots. Avoid overwatering, as that can lead to root rot and other plant diseases. During periods of drought, increase the frequency of watering to prevent the plant from drying out.
Fertilization
Malvastrum capense auct. var. glabrescens Harv. benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season. Use a granular fertilizer or a water-soluble fertilizer, depending on your preference. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for proper application rates and methods.
Pruning
Malvastrum capense auct. var. glabrescens Harv. benefits from occasional pruning to maintain a neat and tidy appearance. Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Prune the plant to shape it as desired, but avoid pruning more than a third of the plant at a time, as that can stress the plant and affect its growth.
Propagation methods of Malvastrum capense auct. var. glabrescens Harv.
Malvastrum capense auct. var. glabrescens Harv. is typically propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Malvastrum capense auct. var. glabrescens Harv. can be collected when the fruits are mature and have turned brown. The seeds must be carefully extracted from the fruits and cleaned. Before planting, the seed coat must be scarified by either manually nicking the seed coat or soaking the seeds in hot water to break dormancy. The scarified seeds can then be planted in containers filled with a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. The containers must be kept in a warm, bright location with some shelter from direct sunlight. Germination typically occurs within two to four weeks.
Cutting propagation
Cuttings of Malvastrum capense auct. var. glabrescens Harv. can be taken from softwood or semi-hardwood stems during the growing season. Cuttings must be about 10-15 cm in length and must be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting must be carefully removed, and the remaining leaves must be trimmed to reduce water loss. The cuttings must be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in containers filled with a well-draining soil mix. The containers must be kept moist and placed in a warm, bright location with some shelter from direct sunlight. Roots typically develop within four to six weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the garden.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that can affect Malvastrum capense auct. var. glabrescens Harv. is leaf spot. The symptoms of leaf spot are circular or irregular spots on the leaves that can be solid or have a halo. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove and destroy all infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Additionally, maintaining adequate airflow around the plant and keeping the soil surface clean can reduce the spread of leaf spot. Fungicides can also be used to manage severe cases of leaf spot
Another disease that can affect Malvastrum capense auct. var. glabrescens Harv. is powdery mildew, which can cause the plant's leaves to become covered with a white or gray powdery substance. It can cause leaves to yellow and drop prematurely. To manage this disease, it is essential to increase ventilation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to control powdery mildew
Pest Management
Malvastrum capense auct. var. glabrescens Harv. may be affected by spider mites, which cause leaves to yellow and curl and leave a fine webbing on the plant's leaves. In severe cases, the plant's leaves may drop. To manage spider mites, it is essential to regularly rinse the leaves with water to remove the mites and their webbing. Insecticidal soap and neem oil are also effective in controlling spider mites
Another common pest that can affect Malvastrum capense auct. var. glabrescens Harv. is aphids. Aphids are tiny insects that suck on the plant's sap and can cause curled leaves, stunted growth, and distorted flowers. To manage aphids, it is essential to physically remove them from the plant and dispose of them. Insecticidal soaps and neem oil also help control aphids. Additionally, introducing natural predators such as ladybugs can help reduce the aphid population.
