Apricot globe-mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua, Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 22:292. 1887)

Family: Malvaceae

Author: A.Gray

Bibliography: Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 22:292. 1887

Year: 1887

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sphaeralcea

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. U.S.A. to NW. Mexico

Description

The apricot globe-mallow, known scientifically as Sphaeralcea ambigua, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family. This hardy and adaptive plant is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, thriving in arid deserts and dry, rocky slopes.

Characterized by its stunning apricot-colored flowers, the apricot globe-mallow brings a burst of color to some of the harshest landscapes. Its deeply lobed leaves and vibrant blooms not only contribute to its ornamental appeal but also play a vital role in local ecosystems. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are essential for maintaining the biodiversity of its native habitats.

The apricot globe-mallow was first described scientifically by the botanist Asa Gray in 1887, as documented in the Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts. Gray’s contribution to the botanical nomenclature recognized the unique features of this plant and its importance within its ecological niche.

This resilient species is well-adapted to survive in extreme conditions, displaying a noteworthy tolerance to drought. It is often found in regions with poor, well-drained soils, where its deep root systems help it to access water stored deep within the earth. The plant’s ability to withstand harsh conditions makes it a valuable addition to xeriscaping and native plant gardens, where it can reduce water usage while providing aesthetic and ecological benefits.

Overall, the apricot globe-mallow stands as a striking example of nature’s resilience and beauty, thriving in some of the toughest environments on the planet while supporting a diversity of life forms through its role as a pollinator attractor.

Common Names

Eng: apricot globe-mallow, apricot mallow, apricot-mallow, desert globe-mallow, desert globemallow, desert-mallow
En: Apricot globe-mallow, Apricot-mallow, Desert globe-mallow, Desert-mallow, Apricot globemallow, Desert globemallow, Apricot mallow

Synonyms

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Nevada (native)
• Utah (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 19, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 20, 2022 by Aviva Aiden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2022 by Kevin McClain (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2020 by Missi missi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2022 by Danielle flowers (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 1, 2016 by EOL − harpomark (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 30, 2016 by EOL − Liam O’Brien (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 13, 2016 by EOL − June (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 2, 2022 by Kevin McClain (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2019 by Roberta (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 6, 2021 by Jeff Potts (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2014 by EOL − kowen2000 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 19, 2015 by EOL − hummer56 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 14, 2006 by EOL − Steven Thorsted (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 9, 2014 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 5, 2011 by EOL − Steven Thorsted (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 15, 2016 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 12, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 27, 2016 by EOL − R.J. Adams (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 12, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Sep 4, 2022 by Lei Win (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3152473)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:241593-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sphaeralcea ambigua A. Gray)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.5

Ph minimum: 7.5