Citation: Torrey, Rep. U.S. & Mex. Bound. Surv. 38 (1859).

Synonymy: Malva americana L., Sp. Pl. 687 (1753); Malva spicata L., Syst. Nat. edn 10:1146 (1759); Malvastrum spicatum (L.)A. Gray, Mem. Amer. Acad. 4:22 (1849); Malva brachystachya F. Muell., Linnaea 25:378 (1853).

Common name: Malvastrum, spiked malvastrum.

Description:
Herb with more or less erect branches, usually 30-50 cm high, usually rather coarsely hairy; leaves on petioles 2-35 mm long, mostly ovate, usually 2-7 cm long sometimes shorter; spike dense, subglobose at first and c. 1 cm diam., elongating to up to 7 cm long.

Epicalyx segments long-hairy, 4-7 mm long; calyx villous, slightly longer than the epicalyx; petals slightly exceeding the calyx, c. 7-8 mm long.

Mericarps bristly towards the summit, smooth on the sides, often finally dehiscing along the inner suture.

	Malvastrum americanum twig, ovary, styles and stamens, fruit and mericarp.
Image source: fig 439c in Jessop J.P. & Toelken H.R. (Ed.) 1986. Flora of South Australia (4th edn).

Published illustration: Cunningham et al. (1982) Plants of western New South Wales, p. 483.

Distribution:    W.Aust.; N.T.; Qld; N.S.W.   native to America. Conservation status: naturalised Flowering time: in all months.

SA Distribution Map based on current data relating to specimens held in the State Herbarium of South Australia

Biology: No text

Author: Not yet available