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tree mallow

tree mallow

9.2
A shrub with soft, hand-shaped leaves and bright red-purple flowers
  • noun
  • US
translation icon : malva arbórea
  • Gardeners in arid regions often choose tree mallow for its drought resistance.

Examples

  • In my garden, I planted a tree mallow next to the fence.

  • A row of tree mallows lined the edge of the property, attracting bees and butterflies.

  • The tree mallow produces vibrant red-purple flowers each spring.

  • The tree mallow blooms beautifully in the summer.

  • The garden was vibrant with blooms from the tree mallow, attracting many butterflies.

  • In the desert landscape, the large tree mallow stood out with its beautiful red-purple flowers.

  • The landscaper recommended planting a tree mallow for its striking appearance and hardy nature.

Synonyms

Lavatera arborea
vstree mallow
  • Specialized
9.9

A bushy seaside plant with hairy divided leaves and red-purple flowers

is a similar shrub native to the southwestern United States rather than the Mediterranean

Surface Forms

tree mallow singular
tree mallows plural

Morphology

tree + mallow

The noun is a straightforward compound: 'tree' (a tall perennial plant) combined with 'mallow' (a flowering plant), so it denotes a mallow that grows with a tree-/shrub-like form. This compositional, descriptive pattern is common and predictable, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents could infer the meaning.

Etymology

Tree mallow is a name for a mallow plant that grows like a small tree. People put tree and mallow together because the plant looks tree-like while still being a mallow, so the name helps you remember it is a tall, 'shrub-like' plant.