Bastard sida-retusa (Malvastrum americanum, W.H.Emory, Rep. U.S. Mex. Bound. 2(1): 38 (1858))

Family: Malvaceae

Author: (L.) Torr.

Bibliography: W.H.Emory, Rep. U.S. Mex. Bound. 2(1): 38 (1858)

Year: 1858

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Malvastrum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

Bastard sida-retusa, scientifically named Malvastrum americanum, is a notable member of the Malvaceae family. First formally described by W.H. Emory in his work “Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey” published in 1858, this plant has since attracted the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Bastard sida-retusa thrives in warm climates. The species is particularly well-suited to environments that offer ample sunlight and relatively stable, warm temperatures. Its adaptability to such climates has allowed it to flourish across a broad geographic range within these regions.

The plant is characterized by its resilience and capacity to grow in various soil types, making it a versatile addition to many ecological landscapes. This adaptability also underpins its common presence in the regions where it naturally occurs. The robust nature of Malvastrum americanum signifies not only an ecological presence but also a potential for contributing to the ecosystems in which it lives, providing food and habitat to various local fauna.

The Bastard sida-retusa is distinguishable by its growth habits and physical appearance, which align with the typical traits of plants in the Malvaceae family. Its flowers and foliage add to the biodiversity and aesthetic appeal of the areas it inhabits.

In botanical literature, Malvastrum americanum’s inclusion serves as a testament to the diversity and intricacy of plant life within tropical and subtropical zones. As with many species in this family, it underscores the interconnectedness of plant species, climate, and soil, highlighting the delicate balances that sustain various ecological niches.

Researchers and ecologists value Bastard sida-retusa for its ecological role and the insights it provides into plant life in tropical and subtropical climates. Continued study and conservation of such species are critical to maintaining the biodiversity and ecological health of these regions.

Common Names

Eng: american false mallow, indian valley false mallow, bastard sida-retusa, mulberry-mallow, spiked false mallow, spiked malvastrum, spiked-mallow, wild mulberry
Spa: pegajosilla
En: Bastard sida-retusa, Mulberry-mallow, Spiked false mallow, Spiked malvastrum, Spiked-mallow, Wild mulberry, American false mallow, Indian Valley false mallow, Spiked mallow, Indian Valley False-mallow
Fr: Mauve d’Amérique, Mauve alcée
De: Amerikanische Scheinmalve
Es: Pegajosilla
: Indian valley false mallow

Synonyms

• Malva ovata (Cav.)
• Malope malacoides (Walter)
• Malope lutea (Raf.)
• Malvastrum macrostachyum ((C.Presl) Hemsl.)
• Malva polystachya (Cav.)
• Malva fluminensis (Vell.)
• Malveopsis americana ((L.) Kuntze)
• Malvastrum americanum var. stellatum (S.R.Hill)
• Malva gangetica (L.)
• Malvastrum spicatum ((L.) A.Gray)
• Malva astrolasia (Zipp. ex Span.)
• Malveopsis spicata var. normalis (Kuntze)
• Malveopsis spicata ((L.) Kuntze)
• Malva macrostachya (C.Presl)
• Malva brachystachya (F.Muell.)
• Malveopsis macrostachya ((C.Presl) Kuntze)
• Malva spicata (L.)
• Visenia spicata ((L.) Colla)
• Malveopsis spicata f. rubra (Kuntze)
• Malva sublobata (Desr.)
• Malva curassavica (Desr.)
• Malvastrum trachelifolium ((Link) Ulbr.)
• Malva americana (L.)
• Malva spicata var. ovata ((Cav.) Hemsl.)
• Malva timoriensis (DC.)
• Sphaeralcea americana ((L.) Metz)
• Malva trachelifolia (Link)
• Melochia spicata ((L.) Fryxell)
• Malva blumeana (Steud.)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Aruba (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Southwest Caribbean (native)
• Texas (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Cape Verde (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Galápagos (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Mexican Pacific Is. (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Leaf

Taken Jan 5, 2022 by Juan Carlos Ordonez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 1, 2020 by Caicedo Albarello Fernando (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 5, 2022 by Juan Carlos Ordonez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 5, 2022 by Juan Carlos Ordonez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 1, 2020 by Caicedo Albarello Fernando (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Acevedo, P. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2021 by EDMILSON NOGUEIRA (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Habit

Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 29, 2015 by EOL − Javi Gonzalez (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:561999-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3152264)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Malvastrum americanum (L.) Torr.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth