Malva parviflora
MALVACEAE
Cheeseweed, Egyptian mallow, Marshmallow, Sunflower mallow.
Persistent weed native to Southern Europe, Central to Western Asia & Northern Africa. Found in disturbed sites, around farm yards, roadsides, wastelands.
Broad leaves 8 to 10cm across with 5 to 7 lobes on long 11 to 13 cm stalks, Leaves can be toxic to mammals & can cause staggers in lambs.
M. parviflora is able to flower & seed within 2 months of germination. Germination occurs after Autumn & Winter rains. Photo is of a young plant in May.
White to pink flowers with 5 petals, 4 to 6 mm long with twisted buds in axillary clusters. Flowering Mar through to Nov.
The fruit is a dry disc of joined sepals that split into many sections when ripe & dry, each containing one seed. Seeds remain viable for possibly 100 years.
This weed has a single deep taproot which renders it resistant to glyophosphate. Remove single isolated young plants by hand. Consult your local herbicide retailer for best spray during April to July.
Similar species are M.nicaeensis or native species Lavatera plebeia .