Tree mallow
Lavatera thuringiaca
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It grows 1.8 m high and spreads 0.9-1.2 m wide. It is evergreen and keeps growing from year to year. The leaves usually have 5 lobes. The flowers are rose pink. They are 20-45 mm long. The flower stalks are 13 mm long.
There are about 25 Lavatera species.
Where it is found
It grows on hill slopes and the edges of woodland. It suits hardiness zones 8-11.
Countries/locations it is found in
Armenia, Australia, Caucasus, Europe, Italy, Mediterranean, Moldova, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The young leaves are eaten raw or cooked.
Edible parts
Flowers, leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Nalba