Lavatera acerifolia, also known as pink hollyhock o cliff mallowLavatera acerifolia is a shrubby plant endemic to the Canary Islands. Prized both for its ornamental value and its ecological role in island ecosystems, this species stands out for its attractive pale pink flowers with purple veins and its characteristic palmately lobed foliage reminiscent of maple leaves. Below, we explore its botanical characteristics, habitat, distribution, gardening care, and other key aspects to fully understand Lavatera acerifolia.
Botanical description and morphology
- Size and bearing: It is a woody shrub that typically grows between 1 and 3 meters in height. It has an erect or ascending shape, with multiple branches emerging from the base.
- Stems: They are cylindrical and, in adult specimens, exhibit grayish bark. This dense branching favors the formation of robust clumps.
- Sheets: Large in size, usually measuring between 5 and 9 cm in length and width. They are simple, alternate, long-petiolated and palmate leaves, with irregular, toothed lobes and a rough texture. The predominant color is a intense green, which turns yellowish in older specimens. The leaves bear a remarkable resemblance to those of the maple, hence the epithet acerifolia.
- Flowers: Very showy, solitary or gathered in small groups at the terminal portion of the branches. They are supported by long peduncles and can reach up to 8 cm in diameter. The calyx is formed by five toothed, hairy lobes, and the corolla consists of five loose, pale pink petals with purple spots at the base and prominent venation. The abundance of stamens grouped in a central column, a pinkish hue similar to that of the flower, is notable.
- Fruit: It consists of a circular schizocarp, 5 to 7 mm in diameter, surrounded by the persistent calyx. The fruit is divided into numerous indehiscent mericarps, each containing a single brown seed.
Distribution and natural habitats
Lavatera acerifolia es endemic to the Canary Islands, appearing on all islands except El Hierro. It is found mainly in slopes, ravines, cliffs and terraces, where it usually thrives in shaded or well-oriented areas in exposures of xerophytic scrub and thermophilic forest. Altitudinally, it is mainly found between the 200 and 600 meters above sea level, although it is possible to find specimens at other altitudes if ecological conditions allow it.
- Island presence: Tenerife (Masca, Teno, Güímar, Anaga), La Palma (Tijarafe), Gran Canaria (Tafira, Caldera de Bandama, Agaete, Guayedra, Guayadeque), Fuerteventura and Lanzarote (variety hariensis, more robust and threatened), La Gomera (Las Rosas, Agulo, Argaga, Taguluche).
- Ecosystems: Thermophilous forests, dry scrub areas and rocky areas with partial shade.
- Altitudinal range: mostly between 200 and 600 meters.
The species is an essential part of the Canary Islands' vegetation landscape and is adapted to drought and wind exposure. It is common in some specific locations, although its presence is fairly localized throughout the archipelago.
Flowering, reproduction and life cycle
Lavatera acerifolia has a flowering cycle that includes from fall to spring, with peak flowering between November and May. However, in favorable microclimatic zones, specimens can be found flowering almost year-round, thus favoring its ornamental use and its value as a honey plant for local pollinators.
- Reproduction: It reproduces mainly by seeds, although propagation by cuttings is also possible and very effective in home growing or nursery environments.
- Seeds: After the fruit is dispersed in schizocarps, the seeds germinate better at mild temperatures, facilitating the multiplication of the species in spring.
- Varieties: variety hariensis, present mainly in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, is more robust and has fewer wild specimens, which makes it especially vulnerable and of interest for conservation.
Gardening care and cultivation
La cliff mallow It is highly valued as an ornamental plant in temperate climate gardens, both public and private. Its basic care makes it an ideal choice for those who want to showy flowers without maintenance complications:
- Ground: It prefers fertile, well-drained, and light soils. It tolerates calcareous soils and thrives without difficulty in poor substrates if drainage is optimal. For more information, see our page on plants for a rockery garden.
- Exhibition: It requires high light and thrives best in sunny locations, although it can grow in semi-shade.
- Irrigation: It is drought-resistant, but regular watering is recommended in summer to keep the shrub vigorous. In winter, watering can be reduced considerably.
- Temperature: It tolerates moderate cold and can withstand some light frost. However, it is advisable to protect it from prolonged frost.
- Pruning: After flowering, light pruning helps maintain a compact appearance and removes dry or damaged branches.
- Multiplication: by seeds sown in spring or semi-woody stem cuttings.
This species requires low inputs and is virtually immune to serious pests and diseases, although it can occasionally be affected by worms, insects, and, in excessively humid environments, fungal growth. To learn more about resistant plants, visit pink flowers.
Ornamental and ecological uses
In addition to its indisputable ornamental value, Lavatera acerifolia plays a key role in the conservation of island biodiversity:
- Used in gardens, patios, parks and green areas as an isolated plant or in groups, due to its large size and floral appeal.
- In the Canary Islands, it is traditionally used in rural and urban gardens due to its ease of cultivation and rapid growth. For more options, check out our wildflowers for your garden.
- It contributes to the stabilization of slopes and hillsides due to its solid root structure and its ability to regrow.
- It is an excellent resource for pollinating fauna, attracting local bees and butterflies with its long-lasting and colorful flowering.
- Due to their rarity in nature, it is recommended to collect seeds and cuttings only from cultivated plants, thus avoiding the deterioration of wild populations.
Medicinal properties, taxonomy and etymology
To date, no medicinal uses have been documented specific to Lavatera acerifolia. However, the genus to which it belongs has been studied in other regions of the world for its potential phytotherapeutic applications.
- Family: Malvaceae.
- Scientific name: Lavatera acerifolia Cav.
- Synonymy: Sida acerifolia, Saviniona acerifolia.
- Name's origin: The genus Lavatera is named after the Swiss physicians and naturalists Heinrich and Jacob Lavater. The epithet acerifolia derives from latin acer (maple) and folius (leaf), referring to the similarity of its leaves to those of the maple.