Lavatera trimestris

Species category

Flower 

Common name

annual mallow

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

MericarpMericarp:
One-half of a two-sectioned fruit known as a schizocarp (e.g. carrot).

Shape

D-shaped and wedged

Size

  • Length 2–2.8 mm
  • Width 2–3 mm
  • Thickness 1–1.5 mm

Color

MericarpMericarp:
One-half of a two-sectioned fruit known as a schizocarp (e.g. carrot).
graduates from black to yellow; seed is brown.

Texture

MericarpMericarp:
One-half of a two-sectioned fruit known as a schizocarp (e.g. carrot).
has many transverseTransverse:
Set crosswise, crossing or at right angles.
ribs. Seeds are rough.

Other structures

Strong indentation at hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).

Identification notes

Both mericarpMericarp:
One-half of a two-sectioned fruit known as a schizocarp (e.g. carrot).
and true seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.
are found.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Malvaceae

Valid name

Lavatera trimestris L.

 Lavatera trimestris.  Mericarps with many transverse ribs, true seeds are rough. 
Lavatera trimestris. Mericarps with many transverse ribs, true seeds are rough. 
 Lavatera trimestris.  Mericarps, with true seeds partially exposed. Photo courtesy of USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
Lavatera trimestris. Mericarps, with true seeds partially exposed. Photo courtesy of USDA-APHIS-PPQ.