Volume 3 — PLATE CLXXXII. MALVA DIVARICATA. Straddling-branched Mallow.

CLASS XVI. ORDER VI.

MONADELPHIA POLYANDRIA. Threads united. Many Chives.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

Calyx duplex; exterior 3-phyllus. Arilli plurimi, monospermi.

Cup double; outer three-leaved. Seed-coats many, one-seeded.

See Malva reflexa, Pl. CXXXV. Vol. II.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Malva foliis lobatis, plicatis, dentatis, scabridis; ramis ramulisque divaricatis, flexuosis.

Mallow with lobed leaves, plaited, toothed, and rough; the large and small branches grow straddling, and zig-zagged.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The double Cup.

2. A Flower spread open, with the threads remaining.

3. The Chives cut open, and magnified.

4. The Seed-bud, Shaft, and Summits, magnified.

As a lively, but little, green-house plant, this species of Mallow has not many equals; and its property of continuing to flower from June, till December, must considerably enhance its value. It is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and was introduced to us, about four years since. Most collections now possess it, from its facility of increase, may be planted in rich earth, and is increased by cuttings, or seeds, which ripen perfectly in this country. The drawing was made at the Nursery, Hammersmith.