California globe mallow facts for kids

The Iliamna latibracteata is a special kind of flowering plant. It belongs to the mallow family, just like cotton or hibiscus. People often call it the California globe mallow or California wild hollyhock.

This plant is quite rare. It grows only in a specific area. You can find it in the coniferous forests of the Klamath Mountains. This region is located in northwestern California and southwestern Oregon. Being found only in one place means it is an endemic species.

What Does the California Globe Mallow Look Like?

The California globe mallow is a large plant. It is a perennial herb, which means it lives for many years. Its stem can grow quite tall, usually between one and two meters (about 3 to 6.5 feet). The stem is often covered in fine hairs. It grows from a thick, woody base called a caudex.

Its Leaves and Flowers

The leaves of this plant are very interesting. They are called palmate leaves because they look a bit like the palm of your hand. Each leaf usually has 5 or 7 pointed sections, called lobes. These leaves can be quite large, up to 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) long. They grow on long, thin stalks called petioles.

The flowers are also beautiful. They grow where the leaves meet the stem, in areas called leaf axils. You might see them growing alone or in small groups. Each flower is shaped like a cup. It has five soft, pink-lavender petals. These petals are typically 2 to 3 centimeters (about 1 inch) long.