This is an imposing, busy biennial, quite woody at the base. It is covered in down and has most distinctive lobed and stalked leaves which fold like a fan. The attractive pink flowers are in terminal clusters, each flower (3-5cm across) with dark veins running into a dark centre. The petals are united at the centre of the flower and are considerably longer than the sepals. Outside the calyx are three bracts which are larger that the calyx. The seeds are held in round, flat capsules. From June to September it gives a wonderful display in coastal areas mostly, is a native plant in some areas and has spread into others mainly on the east and south coasts. Previously known as Lavatera arborea, this plant belongs to the family Malvaceae.
I first identified this plant in Cullenstown, Co Wexford in 2007 when I also photographed it.
If you are satisfied you have correctly identified this plant, please submit your sighting to the National Biodiversity Data Centre
