Fruit at lower left. Shipley Nature Center, Huntington Beach, CA. 6-16-07. © Joan Avise.


Island Mallow (Tree Mallow)

Lavatera assurgentiflora

A rare native from the Channel Islands, but a frequent escapee along coastal bluffs and sandy flats where it has been naturalized
(e.g.. Laguna Beach).

Malvaceae

Back to Malvaceae of Orange County, California
Back to Eudicots of Orange County, California
Back to Natural History of Orange County, California

Flowers have 5 petals and numerous stamens (male) fused around pistil (female). Shipley Nature Center, Huntington Beach, CA. 6-16-07. © Joan Avise.
The numerous stamen filaments (male parts) are united around the elongated single style (female part) which gives rise to 5 purplish stigmas that receive pollen.  Newport Beach Environmental Nature Center, Newport Beach, CA. 6-9-07. © Joan Avise.

The male flower (numerous whitish anthers which produce pollen) blooms first, followed later by the female flower above it,  reducing the chance of inbreeding.  Shipley Nature Center, Huntington Beach, CA. 6-9-07. © Joan Avise.
Alternate palmate leaves, long stems. Newport Beach Environmental Nature Center, Newport Beach, CA. 6-9-07. © Joan Avise.