Desert Globe Mallow
Sphaeralcea ambigua
Photographed in the Hedgepeth Hills, Glendale, Arizona, March 2003.
FLOWERS: Spires of abundant, large, peach-colored flowers make this an
attractive spring wildflower especially along roadways where runoff affords a
bit more moisture. Flower color can vary to shades of red and grenadine or even
white. The numerous
stamens are fused by their filaments into a column surrounding the
style.
SHRUBBY: Woody portions mostly restricted to crown; plants become very
inconspicuous after drought or hard winter frosts. Usually less than
1 meter tall.
UNARMED.
LEAVES: Leaves and stems are covered with numerous, minute star-shaped
hairs that give a sandy texture and silvery appearance. These hairs rub off and
can irritate the eyes.
RANGE: Frequent throughout the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and Mexico on
hillsides, wash banks, roadsides and at edges of agricultural areas.
FRUIT: Dry capsules in a disc-shaped arrangement that split apart on
maturity; i.e. a shizocarp.