Photographs: near Durrus, Co. Cork

Tree-mallow Malva arborea (Lavatera arborea) Hocas ard Family: Malvaceae Flowering time: July-September. Biennial. Native. Tall spikes of large pink-purple flowers with dark centres and purple veins. The leaves are large and velvety with 5-7 lobes. Lower stalks become woody with age and are downy-haired above. A large plant to 3m tall Frost sensitive so usually restricted to milder coastal areas on nutrient-rich shallow soils. Also found as a garden escape. Similar: Garden Tree-mallow, Malva x clementii

Tree-mallow, Malva arborea, Hocas ard