This is the Anacapa Island form of Northern Island Tree Mallow, formerly known as Lavatera assurgentiflora ssp. assurgentiflora. It differs significantly from the Southern Island form, formerly known as L. assurgentiflora ssp. glabra, and slightly (in flower markings) from the San Miguel Island form of Lavatera (Malva) assurgentiflora ssp. assurgentiflora. It has been introduced to East Anacapa, as seen here, from West Anacap, where it was native. This individual may have been planted out.
This is the Southern Island form of the species, known from San Clemente and Santa Catalina Islands. It was formerly known as Lavatera assurgentiflora ssp. glabra, as distinct from ssp. assurgentiflora on the northern Islands of San Miguel and Anacapa ( see images). The species has since been transferred to Malva, but it is not clear that the subspecies have been distingusihed nomenclaturally in Malva.
This is the native Tree Mallow on San Miguel Island, growing near the Research Station at the western tip of the island. It was transplanted there from the natural population a few hundred yards nearer the shore.
