Cape Mallow Anisodontea capensis
ABOUT
Anisodontea capensis, commonly known as the Cape mallow, is a flowering plant that presents a bushy and rounded shape with a dense foliage. The leaves of Cape mallow are heart-shaped to triangular, and they often possess a serrated edge with a soft, velvety texture. These leaves typically appear in a bright green hue, which forms an appealing contrast with the flowers. The charm of the Cape mallow lies in its prolific flowering. The plant produces a profusion of blooms that can appear nearly all year round in the right conditions. The flowers of this plant are hibiscus-like in form and have five petals that are slight to deeply notched. Commonly, the flowers are a soft pink to deep mauve color, sometimes with a darker center or veining that accentuates their delicate structure. The bloom has a prominent, protruding stamen column which adds to its ornamental value. The Cape mallow has an upright and somewhat sprawling habit, often used in garden beds, borders, and containers for its continuous flowering and attractive foliage. However, details about its specific dimensions are omitted.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Cape Mallow, African Mallow.
Common names
Anisodontea julii, Anisodontea malvastroides, Sida capensis, Malvastrum capense.
ToxicityTo humans
Cape mallow (Anisodontea capensis) does not have significant records of toxicity to humans. While it is not generally considered poisonous, it is not classified as an edible plant. Therefore, it is not recommended for consumption. If ingested, it could potentially cause mild stomach upset due to the presence of various plant compounds that are not intended for human digestion. It's always wise to keep an eye out for sensitivity or allergic reactions when handling or ingesting plants that are not commonly used for food, and to consult a medical professional if you suspect poisoning.
To pets
Cape mallow (Anisodontea capensis) is not known to be toxic to pets. However, it is not commonly recognized as a pet-safe plant because it has not been widely studied for pet toxicity. Even non-toxic plants can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets, which might include symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. If your pet ingests part of the plant and shows signs of distress, it is important to contact your veterinarian. Generally, it's advisable to prevent pets from eating plants that are not confirmed to be safe for them.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Anisodontea capensis, commonly known as Cape Mallow, is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local biodiversity.
- Ornamental Value: With its vibrant pink flowers, Cape Mallow is used as an ornamental plant that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Cape Mallow is drought-tolerant, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens in arid regions.
- Low Maintenance: It typically requires minimal care and can thrive in poor soil conditions, reducing the need for frequent upkeep.
- Fast Growth: Cape Mallow is known for its rapid growth rate, which allows for quick establishment and filling in of garden spaces.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides cover and food for local wildlife, including birds that might feed on the insects it attracts or use the plant for nesting.
- Long Blooming Season: The plant has a long flowering period, providing color and visual interest throughout multiple seasons.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Anisodontea capensis, commonly known as Cape Mallow, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, offering a range of subtle hues depending on the mordant used.
- Cape Mallow leaves can be crushed and used as a mild insect repellent in gardens due to their aromatic properties.
- The fibrous stems of the Cape Mallow can be utilized in basket weaving and crafting small decorative items.
- Cape Mallow is often used as a companion plant in agricultural settings to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to the crops.
- The flowers of Cape Mallow can be used as edible decorations for cakes and pastries, adding a splash of color to confectionery.
- The dense growth habit of the Cape Mallow makes it suitable for creating informal privacy hedges or living fences in gardens.
- Cape Mallow can be planted in coastal areas as a natural means of soil stabilization, helping to prevent erosion.
- Because of its vibrant flowers, Cape Mallow is sometimes used in the cut flower industry to provide a long-lasting bloom in bouquets.
- The Cape Mallow can be used in educational settings, such as schools and botanical gardens, to teach about pollination and plant growth habits.
- By planting Cape Mallow in urban spaces, cities can improve the visual appeal of residential and public spaces with its bright and cheerful flowers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cape Mallow is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cape Mallow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Anisodontea capensis, commonly known as Cape mallow, can thrive in tough environmental conditions, symbolizing the ability to withstand and adapt to life's challenges.
- Beauty in Simplicity: With its simple yet striking flowers, Cape mallow represents the idea that there is elegance and grace in simplicity, and that beauty often lies in the most basic forms.
- Endurance: Cape mallow is a plant that can bloom for a long period, representing endurance and the capacity to maintain a presence despite the passage of time or difficulties.
- Growth: As a plant that can be cultivated and grow in various regions, the Cape mallow symbolizes personal growth and the potential to flourish in diverse environments and situations.
WaterThe Cape Mallow, or Anisodontea capensis, should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. It is important to avoid waterlogging, hence water should be supplied directly to the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage. Depending on the climate, provide about 1-2 gallons of water per plant for each watering session. During the peak summer heat or in particularly dry weather, check the soil moisture more frequently and adjust the watering as needed to maintain consistent soil moisture.
LightCape Mallow thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The best spot for the plant would be a location where it receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can tolerate and adapt to some light shade, especially in hotter climates where it might benefit from protection during the harshest afternoon sun.
TemperatureThe Cape Mallow prefers a mild to warm temperature range, ideally between 50°F and 75°F. The plant can handle temperatures as low as 35°F but will not survive freezing conditions. To encourage optimum growth and flowering, maintain the temperature around the ideal range and protect the plant from extreme cold or frost.
PruningCape Mallow benefits from regular pruning to promote bushier growth and maintain a pleasing shape. Prune the plant in early spring, removing dead or damaged branches and cutting back up to one-third of the plant's size to encourage new growth. Additionally, periodic deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, will stimulate continued blooming throughout the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCape Mallow prefers a well-draining soil mix with added organic matter, such as compost or peat moss. The ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A combination of two parts potting soil, one part perlite or sand, and one part compost or aged manure will create an optimal growing medium for this plant.
RepottingCape Mallow should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current container. It's best to repot in the spring, just before the growing season begins, to minimize stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingCape Mallow thrives in moderate humidity levels. Aim to maintain the ambient humidity around 40-50% for optimal growth. It can tolerate lower humidity levels but might need extra watering if the air is too dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water when the topsoil dries.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleAnisodontea capensis, commonly known as Cape Mallow, begins its life cycle with seed germination, occurring when conditions are warm and moist. Seedlings emerge and establish a root system, followed by the development of foliage. As it enters the vegetative stage, Cape Mallow grows rapidly, producing green leaves and branching stems. Once mature, it produces pink to purplish flowers, which are pollinated by insects, leading to the formation of seeds. After pollination and through the growing season, seeds develop within the fruit, which are eventually dispersed to start a new generation. Cape Mallow is a perennial, so after it flowers, it may enter a period of dormancy in adverse conditions, resuming growth with the return of favorable weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Cape mallow (Anisodontea capensis) can be propagated through stem cuttings, which is the most popular method. The best time to propagate Cape mallow is during late spring through summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate through stem cuttings, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and make a cut about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, just below a leaf node. Strip away the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Plant the stem cutting in a pot filled with a mixture of half peat and half perlite or sand, ensuring the leaf nodes where you removed the leaves are buried. Water the soil well and cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Keep the pot in indirect light and maintain the soil moisture until roots form, which typically takes several weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
