Lavatera arborea, L.

3. L. arborea L. View in CoL , Sp. Pl. 690 (1753).

Biennial up to 3 m, woody at the base; younger parts stellate-tomentose. Leaves up to 20 cm, orbicular, shortly 5- to 7-lobed. Flowers in clusters of 2-7; pedicels 1-2-5 cm, shorter than the subtending petiole. Epicalyx-segments 8-10 mm, suborbicular to ovate-oblong, obtuse, longer than the sepals, strongly accrescent, patent in fruit; sepals c. 4 mm, triangular, acute, connivent in fruit; petals 15-20 mm, lilac, with purple veins and base. Mericarps 6-8, glabrous or tomentose; dorsal and lateral faces ridged; angles sharp. Rocky places, especially near the sea; also in hedges and waste places, but there usually as an escape from gardens. Mediterranean region and coasts o f W. Europe, northwards to 55°N. in Ireland. Al BI Br Co Cr Ga G r Hb Hs It Ju Lu Sa Si [Az].