Lavatera
Lavatera plebeia

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

Lavatera plebeia is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

Clayey soils and areas subject to flooding.

Australia - New South Wales, Victoria.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young leaves - raw or cooked. Root - raw or cooked. A parsnip-like consistency.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The leaves are used as a poultice.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Other

Rating: 1

A strong fibre obtained from the stems is used for making string, bags, paper etc.

Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. In Australian gardens it succeeds in most soils in a warm sunny position. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in any ordinary garden soil. Prefers a light well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun. A soil that is too rich encourages foliar growth at the expense of flowering.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. plebeja. Sims.