Status:
valid
Authors:
Benth.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1841
Citation Micro:
J. Bot. (Hooker) 4: 129 (1841)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000452188
Common Names
- Melochia ulmifolia
- Elm-Leaf Melochia
- Elm-Leaf False Cotton
Synonyms
- Melochia carthaginensis Willd. ex K.Schum. [unknown]
- Melochia benthamii K.Schum. [unknown]
- Riedlea ramuliflora Miq. [unknown]
- Melochia ramuliflora (Miq.) R.E.Fr. [unknown]
- Riedlea dichotoma Turcz. [unknown]
Description
Melochia ulmifolia (also called Elm-leaved Mallow, among many other common names) is an annual or perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia. It has a woody stem and grows up to 1.5 meters tall. It is found in dry grasslands, scrub, and open woodlands.
Uses & Benefits
Melochia ulmifolia is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks, and as a medicinal plant to treat skin diseases and to reduce inflammation.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Melochia ulmifolia has white flowers with five petals and yellow centers. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings are small and have thin, green stems.
Cultivation and Propagation
Melochia ulmifolia is a perennial plant that can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown in containers or in the ground. It is drought tolerant and can be pruned to maintain its shape.
Where to Find Melochia ulmifolia
Melochia ulmifolia is native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. It can be found in moist, shaded areas such as rainforests and can be purchased from online nurseries.
Melochia ulmifolia FAQ
What is the scientific name of Melochia ulmifolia?
Melochia ulmifolia
What is the common name of Melochia ulmifolia?
Elm-leaved Melochia
What is the natural habitat of Melochia ulmifolia?
Tropical forests of Southeast Asia
Species in the Melochia genus
Melochia villosa,
Melochia manducata,
Melochia makateaensis,
Melochia lupulina,
Melochia longidentata,
Melochia kerriifolia,
Melochia hermannioides,
Melochia hassleriana,
Melochia graminifolia,
Melochia nudiflora,
Melochia nodiflora,
Melochia mollipila,
Melochia melissifolia,
Melochia mollis,
Melochia caracasana,
Melochia arenosa,
Melochia bissei,
Melochia crenata,
Melochia corchorifolia,
Melochia urticifolia,
Melochia ulmifolia,
Melochia pyramidata,
Melochia pulverulenta,
Melochia pterocarpa,
Melochia pilosa,
Melochia parvifolia,
Melochia parhamii,
Melochia tomentosa,
Melochia sergipana,
Melochia trujilloi,
Melochia longebracteolata,
Melochia betsiliensis,
Melochia anomala,
Melochia argentina,
Melochia betonicifolia,
Melochia chamaedrys,
Melochia illicioides,
Melochia lanata,
Melochia lanceolata,
Melochia simplex,
Melochia splendens,
Melochia tomentella,
Melochia leucantha,
Melochia peruviana,
Melochia bernoulliana,
Melochia goldbergii,
Melochia morongii,
Melochia thymifolia,
Melochia speciosa,
Melochia canescens,
Species in the Malvaceae family
Abelmoschus angulosus,
Abelmoschus caillei,
Abelmoschus crinitus,
Abelmoschus esculentus,
Abelmoschus ficulneus,
Abelmoschus hostilis,
Abelmoschus magnificus,
Abelmoschus manihot,
Abelmoschus moschatus,
Abelmoschus muliensis,
Abelmoschus sagittifolius,
Abelmoschus enbeepeegearensis,
Abroma augustum,
Abutilon abutiloides,
Abutilon affine,
Abutilon alii,
Abutilon amplum,
Abutilon andrewsianum,
Abutilon andrieuxii,
Abutilon anglosomaliae,
Abutilon angulatum,
Abutilon anodoides,
Abutilon appendiculatum,
Abutilon arenarium,
Abutilon arequipense,
Abutilon auritum,
Abutilon austroafricanum,
Abutilon badium,
Abutilon balansae,
Abutilon bastardioides,
Abutilon benedictum,
Abutilon berlandieri,
Abutilon bidentatum,
Abutilon bracteosum,
Abutilon buchii,
Abutilon burandtii,
Abutilon bussei,
Abutilon californicum,
Abutilon calliphyllum,
Abutilon carinatum,
Abutilon coahuilae,
Abutilon commutatum,
Abutilon cryptopetalum,
Abutilon cuspidatum,
Abutilon densiflorum,
Abutilon dinteri,
Abutilon dispermum,
Abutilon divaricatum,
Abutilon dugesii,
Abutilon durandoi,