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Common MallowπΊ
Malva neglecta
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An introduced annual to biennial from Europe, growing along roadsides and wastelands. Small pale purple flowers bloom successively from spring to autumn. The cheese-shaped schizocarp fruit is distinctive.
Identification Points
- βPale purple 5-petaled flowers with dark veins on petals
- βLeaves round, shallowly 5β7 lobed, with long petioles
- βFruit a flat cheese wheel-shaped schizocarp
Habitat
Roadsides, wastelands, and field margins
Season
AprilβOctober (flowers)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf type
Simple
Venation
Pinnate
Leaf dissection
Dissected
Leaf shape
Cordate
Growth form
Herb
Petal count
5 petals
Petal fusion
Free
Habitat
Roadside
Flower symmetry
Actinomorphic
Ovary position
Superior
Stamen count
5
Phylogenetic Positionγ’γͺγ€η§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Core eudicots > Malvales > Malvaceae
Divergence Era
Late Cretaceous (ca. 80β90 million years ago)
Evolution Notes
Malvaceae is characterized by stamens fused into a monadelphous column, a shared family trait. Hibiscus and okra also belong to this family, which accumulates mucilaginous polysaccharides.
View on evolution timeline βSources & References
AI-generated, needs verification