Common Name: Lobed-leaf mallow. Tamil Name: Magathutthi
Lobed-leaf mallow is a woody sub-shrub of Tropical African origin, often found on road-sides and fallow lands in Tamilnadu. The leaf shape and size are variable. The young shoots of the plant are green in color with purple patches. The simple leaves are arranged in an alternate manner; the leaf margin is crenate. The leaf stalk and leaf measure around 3.4 cm and 2.5 cm respectively. The leaf shape is ovate; the leaves have a cordate base and an acute tip. The leaf shape is variable; some leaves are deeply tri-lobed. The flower stalk measure around 2 cm in length. The inflorescence is mostly axillary; flowers are often seen single. The membranous calyx is green in color and deeply five-lobed; the sepals are ovate in shape. The flower has 5 petals which are white in color; the petals are obovate in shape and measure around 1.9 cm each. The fruit is in the form of a capsule which is oblong in shape and beaked.
