Sant cruz island bush-mallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus, Leafl. Bot. Observ. Crit. 1: 208 (1906))

Family: Malvaceae

Author: (Nutt.) Greene

Bibliography: Leafl. Bot. Observ. Crit. 1: 208 (1906)

Year: 1906

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Malacothamnus

Vegetable: False

Observations: California to Mexico (Baja California Norte, Sonora)

Description

The Santa Cruz Island bush-mallow, scientifically known as Malacothamnus fasciculatus, is an intriguing species of flowering plant within the Malvaceae family. First documented in the scientific literature by Greene in 1906, this plant garners attention for its unique characteristics and its adaptability to various environments.

Native to regions spanning from California to Mexico, notably Baja California Norte and Sonora, the Santa Cruz Island bush-mallow thrives in these diverse ecologies. This extensive range attests to its versatility and resilience in different climatic conditions.

Characterized by its clusters of pink to lavender flowers, Malacothamnus fasciculatus exhibits beauty and functional form. The bush is typically adorned with velvety, lobed leaves and woody stems that contribute to its robust nature. These physical traits not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also serve practical roles in its survival and growth.

Its ecological importance cannot be overstated, as the Santa Cruz Island bush-mallow provides habitat and food sources for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. This symbiotic relationship highlights the plant’s integral role in its native ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and contributing to environmental health.

In horticulture, the Santa Cruz Island bush-mallow is valued for its drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and sustainable gardening practices in similar climates. Its low maintenance and stunning floral displays offer environmental and visual benefits for gardens and landscapes.

Overall, Malacothamnus fasciculatus stands as a testament to the rich botanical heritage of the Malvaceae family, showcasing the diverse beauty and ecological significance of native flora from California to Mexico.

Common Names

Eng: mendocino bush-mallow, sant cruz island bush-mallow, chaparral bushmallow, chaparral-mallow
En: Sant Cruz Island bush-mallow, Mendocino bush-mallow, Chaparral-mallow, Mendocino bushmallow, Santa Cruz Island bushmallow, Chaparral bushmallow

Synonyms

• Malvastrum fasciculatum var. typicum (Estes)
• Sphaeralcea arcuata ((B.L.Rob.) Arthur)
• Malvastrum fasciculatum var. laxiflorum ((A.Gray) Munz & I.M.Johnst.)
• Malvastrum fasciculatum var. nuttallii ((Abrams) McMinn)
• Malveopsis splendida ((Kellogg) Kuntze)
• Malvastrum nuttallii ((Abrams) Davidson & Moxley)
• Malvastrum hallii (Eastw.)
• Malvastrum fasciculatum var. nesioticum ((B.L.Rob.) McMinn)
• Malveopsis arcuata (Greene)
• Malvastrum nesioticum subsp. nuttallii ((Abrams) Wiggins)
• Malveopsis fasciculata ((Nutt.) Kuntze)
• Malvastrum parishii (Eastw.)
• Malacothamnus fasciculatus subsp. catalinensis ((Eastw.) Thorne)
• Malvastrum splendidum (Kellogg)
• Malacothamnus fasciculatus subsp. splendidus ((Kellogg) Abrams)
• Malvastrum laxiflorum ((A.Gray) Eastw.)
• Malacothamnus fasciculatus var. splendidus ((Kellogg) Abrams)
• Malvastrum nesioticum (B.L.Rob.)
• Malacothamnus nesioticus ((B.L.Rob.) Abrams)
• Malacothamnus fasciculatus var. nuttallii ((Abrams) Kearney)
• Malacothamnus nuttallii (Abrams)
• Malacothamnus fasciculatus var. nesioticus ((B.L.Rob.) Kearney)
• Sphaeralcea thurberi ((A.Gray) Tidestr.)
• Malacothamnus fasciculatus subsp. laxiflorus ((A.Gray) Thorne)
• Malacothamnus fasciculatus var. catalinensis ((Eastw.) Kearney)
• Sphaeralcea fasciculata var. nuttallii ((Abrams) Jeps.)
• Sphaeralcea fasciculata var. nesiotica ((B.L.Rob.) Jeps.)
• Malvastrum fasciculatum ((Nutt.) Greene)
• Malvastrum mendocinense (Eastw.)
• Malvastrum thurberi var. laxiflorum (A.Gray)
• Malvastrum thurberi (A.Gray)
• Malva fasciculata (Nutt.)
• Sphaeralcea nesiotica ((B.L.Rob.) Jeps.)
• Malacothamnus mendocinensis ((Eastw.) Kearney)
• Malacothamnus parishii ((Eastw.) Kearney)
• Malvastrum catalinense (Eastw.)
• Malvastrum fasciculatum var. catalinense ((Eastw.) McMinn)
• Malvastrum arcuatum (B.L.Rob.)
• Malacothamnus arcuatus ((B.L.Rob.) Greene)
• Sphaeralcea fasciculata var. elmeri (Jeps.)
• Sphaeralcea fasciculata ((Nutt.) Arthur)
• Malacothamnus hallii ((Eastw.) Kearney)

Distribution

• California (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 5, 2022 by Henry Broeska (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2021 by julia higgins (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3152341)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:149662-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Malacothamnus fasciculatus (Nutt. ex Torr. & A. Gray) Greene)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Shrub

Growth