Musk Mallow
Musk Mallow is an Old World perennial often seen naturalized around old homesteads. In this case some seed found a less hospitable habitat. While it looks safe and sound behind the BFRs*, growing in a rock quarry is always risky. Next year it may find the ground ripped out from under it.
Musk Mallow – Malva moschata
The pink hibiscus like flowers have a musky odor. The flowers have five notched / ragged looking petals and grow in clusters in the leaf axils. A number of cultivars are grown for color variations, including ‘Alba’ with white flowers, and ‘Rosea’ with dark pink flowers.
The leaves are alternate and lobed. Both the leaves and flowers are edible.
The seed pods aren’t anything special but they do hide something interesting.
Peel away the husk and you find a ring of seed called a schizocarp. I woulda thought a schizocarp is a fish with a split personality. It’s surprising how many times Wikipedia has straightened me out.
…and now for something completely different
You call that a face? One thing for certain, it’s never going to launch a 1000 ships.
Here’s a photo of the dragonfly in case you want to try identifying it. I’m too sore and tired to try, I wrestled BFRs* today and could care less about putting a name to that bug ugly face.
*Big Freaking Rock
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July 24th, 2010 at 12:48 am
captivating pictures! especially enjoyed the schizocarp.
July 24th, 2010 at 6:41 am
(can’t get to the picture of the flower ;-( maybe it just doesn’t want to show itself to me)
July 24th, 2010 at 9:02 am
What are you talking about? That dragonfly is a cutie! I have some kind of mallow in my front garden and I love it–I don’t know why I’ve noticed its seed pods, will check for them this fall. Love how they look.
July 24th, 2010 at 9:25 am
Schizocarp…going to have to casually work that into a conversation.
Great photos. Love them all, but especially the delicacy of the dragonfly’s wings.
Na
July 24th, 2010 at 9:54 am
Love those seedpods — and thanks for making me appreciate my mostly sedentary occupation…
July 24th, 2010 at 6:47 pm
I agree, “schzicarp” will have to be uttered soon. I like the turban look of them. By the way, Depending on how big it was. I would launch my ship if I saw that dragonfly coming at me.
July 24th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
I’d have fun in a rock quarry as long as there was no work involved. I like the flower, but the seeds are a little more interesting. And that dragonfly closeup is great. That’s the kind I wish I could get.