Globe Mallow has many different species, including perennials and annuals. The most notable thing about the Globe Mallow plant is that its leaves are arranged spirally and they are usually toothed. The stems and the leaves of the Globe Mallow plant are downy, or have tiny hairs that cover them. The flowers are shaped like a cup or a saucer. These flowers can be orange, pink, apricot, or anywhere in between.
This description provides characteristics that may be relevant to fire ecology and is not meant for identification. Keys for identification are available (e.g., [18,19,20,25,26,27,63]).
Gooseberryleaf globemallow is a perennial forb with an ascending to erect growth form. Plants have few to many hairy stems that emerge from a woody caudex and reach a height of 4 to 43 inches (10-109 cm). Leaves are palmately 3- to 5-lobed, moderately pubescent and 0.5 to 2.6 inches (1.3-5 cm) long and wide. Flowers are solitary or clustered in compound racemes, and petals are 0.3 to 0.9 inch (0.8-2.2 cm) long [8,18,20,26,61,63]. The fruit is a schizocarp with 10 to 20 carpels. Carpels are 2.5 to 4.5 mm long and are dehiscent at the top and indehiscent at the base [5,18,20,63]. In Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia subsp. grossulariifolia carpels are generally 1-seeded while in subsp. pedata carpels are often 2-seeded [26,27]. Seeds are mostly pubescent [8]. A large proportion of the plant biomass in gooseberryleaf globemallow is concentrated below the soil surface in a deep, branched, woody taproot [20]. Plants also have a fibrous root system near the soil surface [53,61]. Plants are short-lived (2-3 years) [8,29].
Fire adaptations: Little is known about fire tolerance in gooseberryleaf globemallow. It has been described as "resistant to burning" [57]. Certain morphological characteristics of gooseberryleaf globemallow support this statement. Although aboveground tissue may be killed by fire, the caudex and the deep, woody taproot are likely to survive low- to moderate-severity fire. Carbohydrates stored in the taproot likely aid in the production of new aboveground tissue after fire. After fire and other disturbances, globemallows are thought to regenerate from seeds stored in the soil [61]. Gooseberryleaf globemallow readily invades disturbed areas [44,46] and is a likely postfire colonizer [42,57].
FIRE REGIMES: FIRE REGIMES in communities where gooseberryleaf globemallow occurs vary with location and associated vegetation. Presented below is information on FIRE REGIMES in several plant communities where gooseberryleaf globemallow is common.
Sagebrush: Presettlement FIRE REGIMES in sagebrush ecosystems varied among sagebrush types and locations. Historic fire return intervals in sagebrush ecosystems were variable, ranging from approximately 20 to 100 years. Most fires were mixed-severity and of small extent, although more widespread fires occurred on some sites [67,68]. Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), nonnative annual grasses, have altered FIRE REGIMES and successional patterns in many sagebrush communities. Fine fuel loads from dry cheatgrass and/or medusahead can support fire return intervals as short as 3 to 6 years [43,66].
Pinyon-juniper woodlands: Fire return intervals in pinyon-juniper woodlands vary greatly, depending upon fine fuel loads and stand density. Livestock grazing in pinyon-juniper tends to increase fire return intervals by reducing fine fuels and increasing woody fuel density (review by [68]). Cheatgrass invasion in some pinyon-juniper communities has greatly decreased fire return intervals [30]. Historical fire return interval for western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) woodlands is estimated at 10 to 30 years (review by [68]).
Salt-desert shrubland: Historically, a lack of continuous fuels made fire rare to nonexistent in salt-desert shrublands except under unusual circumstances [64,69]. Increased presence of nonnative annual grasses in salt-desert ecosystems has shortened fire return intervals [6,65,69]. Wet years such as those brought by El Niño encourage growth of fine fuels in salt-desert communities. In particular, annual grasses such as cheatgrass and red brome (Bromus rubens) develop enough fine fuel biomass to support wildfires [10,41]. Once fire occurs, cover of annuals and probability of subsequent fire increase [10]. Harper [17] found little to no cheatgrass on saltbush and other desert shrub sites on the Desert Experimental Range of west-central Utah in 1959, a dry year. In 1990, a wet year, Sparks and others [54] found the same sites had converted to cheatgrass and other annual weeds "on a massive scale" and fuels were continuous enough to carry fire. Long recovery periods are needed when large-acreage fires occur in salt-desert shrub [9,10].
Blackbrush: The blackbrush association is composed of dense to scattered low-stature shrubs and dense to open grasses. It maintains the highest plant cover of any desert shrub community. Blackbrush experiences a stand-replacement fire regime, though historical documentation of blackbrush fire cycles is limited. Frequent large fires have eliminated blackbrush from some areas. Blackbrush occurs in areas with approximately 7 inches (180 mm) of annual precipitation. Cyclic desert precipitation above 10 to 14 inches (250-360 mm) may increase biomass and fuel continuity enough to increase fire potential [40].
The following table provides fire regime information that may be relevant to gooseberryleaf globemallow. Find further fire regime information for the plant communities in which this species may occur by entering the species name in the FEIS home page under "Find FIRE REGIMES".
Fire regime information on vegetation communities in which gooseberryleaf globemallow may occur. For each community, fire regime characteristics are taken from the LANDFIRE Rapid Assessment Vegetation Models [32]. These vegetation models were developed by local experts using available literature, local data, and/or expert opinion as documented in the PDF file linked from the name of each Potential Natural Vegetation Group listed below. Cells are blank where information is not available in the Rapid Assessment Vegetation Model. Pacific Northwest California Southwest Great Basin Northern Rockies Pacific Northwest Vegetation Community (Potential Natural Vegetation Group) Fire severity* Fire regime characteristics Percent of fires Mean intervalGooseberryleaf globemallow is found on dry plains, open deserts, washes, playas, hillsides, foothills, mesas and canyons [20,26,48]. It occasionally occurs along streams at lower elevations [27]. In salt-desert shrub habitat in the Southwest, it occurs in and along drainages and on alluvial fans [14]. It occurs in shoreline boulder areas and dry sand in canyons along the Colorado River [11]. Gooseberryleaf globemallow grows best in open or disturbed sites [44,46], including burned areas [4,42,57,61].
Elevation: Gooseberryleaf globemallow occurs between 2,600 and 7,500 feet (800-2,300 m) across its range [4,18,20,26,27,63].
Elevational range of gooseberryleaf globemallow by state or region State Elevation Arizona 3,000-6,000 feet (900-1,800 m) [27] Nevada 3,100-7,500 feet (940-2,300 m) [4,26] Utah 2,600-7,500 feet (800-2,300 m) [63] Intermountain West 2,600-7,500 feet (800-2,300 m) [20]Temperature: Gooseberryleaf globemallow is tolerant of cold winter temperatures [57].
Moisture: Gooseberryleaf globemallow is drought tolerant [13,21,29,57]. It is most common in areas that receive 8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm) of annual precipitation [3,14,21,48]. Gooseberryleaf globemallow relies more on summer precipitation than on groundwater [15]. Plants commonly remain green throughout the summer. Late-summer precipitation results in additional plant growth [3]. Flood tolerance is fair [57].
Soils: Gooseberryleaf globemallow grows in soil textures ranging from clay to gravel. It grows in alkaline soils and tolerates moderate salinity [4,42,61]. It is found on volcanic soils throughout its range [5,18,26].
Gooseberryleaf globemallow is a desirable forage species for some livestock and wildlife, in part because it is drought resistant and commonly remains green throughout the summer [3,8,21]. It is a principal forage plant for domestic sheep in the Intermountain West [51,61]. In a 1953 study, average utilization of gooseberryleaf globemallow by domestic sheep on moderately grazed winter range was 80% [22].
Pronghorn eat gooseberryleaf globemallow in western Utah. Gooseberryleaf globemallow comprised, on average, 4.6% of the forage contained in pronghorn rumen samples collected in western Utah over 7 years. It is eaten by pronghorn into late summer and fall when few other forbs are available [3]. Deer, elk and bighorn sheep use of globemallows varies with location and condition of plants [42]. Gooseberryleaf globemallow is also eaten by jackrabbits, rodents, grasshoppers and Mormon crickets [61]. Globemallow seeds are eaten by various species of birds and rabbits [42].
Palatability/nutritional value: Gooseberryleaf globemallow is moderately palatable to livestock and wildlife [21,47,57]. Palatability ratings for gooseberryleaf globemallow forage are none to fair for cattle and fair to excellent for domestic sheep, pronghorn, elk and deer [42,57,61]. It is most palatable to pronghorn when in flower. Crude protein content in gooseberryleaf globemallow plants is relatively high (up to 22% of dry matter) [42]. In-vitro digestibility is 69.7% [62]. Additional nutritional information is provided by Rumbaugh and others [52].
Cover value: In Utah, the cover value of gooseberryleaf globemallow is poor for upland game birds and waterfowl, fair for small non-game birds, and good for small mammals [12].
Gooseberryleaf globemallow is common in disturbed sites [44,46], including burned areas [4,42,57,61]. Seed may be stored in the soil [44] or come from off-site sources [57]. Gooseberryleaf globemallow often establishes in sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) and pinyon-juniper (Pinus spp.-Juniperus spp.) communities after fire [35,42]. In sagebrush and pinyon-juniper vegetation in west-central Utah, gooseberryleaf globemallow frequency was greater in burned than in unburned sites as shown in the table below. Preburn data were not provided [37].
Gooseberryleaf globemallow increased after burning in a chaparral community on the Tonto National Forest in central Arizona [39]. Abundance of gooseberryleaf globemallow before and after burning is given in the table below.
Abundance (lbs/acre) of gooseberryleaf globemallow before and after burning in Arizona chaparral [39] Preburn Postfire year 1 North slopes 9 30 South slopes 10 18Gooseberryleaf globemallow reproduces by seed. Because plants are short-lived, successful establishment by seed every 2 to 3 years is necessary for perpetuation of gooseberryleaf globemallow [8]. Gooseberryleaf globemallow populations cycle in response to climatic conditions. Kitchen [29] observed that favorable growing conditions result in "explosive reproductive events" which are often followed by a period of die-off.
Pollination: Several genera of bees pollinate globemallows, including Diadasia, Apis, Agapostemon, Calliopsis, Halictus and Melissodes. Wasps from the genus Ammoplanus are also important pollinators. Self-pollination is rare [42].
Breeding system: No information is available on this topic.
Seed production: There is no quantitative information available on seed production in gooseberryleaf globemallow. Seed production is "moderate" [57]. There are approximately 510,000 seeds per pound [21,48].
Seed dispersal: In gooseberryleaf globemallow the dehiscent section of the carpel opens at maturity. The indehiscent section of the carpel holds the seed until the reticulate wall has disintegrated. This may be an adaptation to ensure that some seeds encounter favorable germination conditions [38,42]. There is no information available on the mechanisms of seed dispersal in gooseberryleaf globemallow.
Seed banking: Gooseberryleaf globemallow seed lies dormant in the soil until sufficient moisture and light stimulate germination [44]. There is no information available on how long seeds may persist under field conditions. In an open, unheated, uncooled warehouse, however, gooseberryleaf globemallow seed can be stored for ~15 years without notable loss of viability [23]. After 15 years germination percentage decreases [24,55]. Mean percentage germination of seed after 2 to 25 years of storage is summarized in the table below.
Germination (%) of gooseberryleaf globemallow seed after storage [24] Years of storage 2 3 4 5 7 10 15 25 Percent germination 7 7 6 9 6 7 6 2Germination: Gooseberryleaf globemallow has a hard seed coat and is difficult to germinate [23,38,61]. Average germination rates are between 50% and 60% [42]. Afterripening for 1 month or stratification for 1 to 3 months is necessary for successful germination [23]. Germination is enhanced by chemical or mechanical scarification [2,38,50,61]. As mechanical scarification time increases, however, the seed may be damaged and germination percentage may decrease. In a germination experiment, average germination was 47.4% after 5 seconds of mechanical scarification, 10.5% after 15 seconds and 8.0% after 25 seconds. If mechanical scarification is used, care is needed to prevent injury to the seed [38].
The optimum germination temperature for gooseberryleaf globemallow seed is 72 °F (22 °C) [2]. Exposing seed to alternating temperatures of 59 °F (15 °C) and 72 °F (22 °C) for 12 hour periods increases germination [38,61]. Seeds germinate equally well in light and in darkness [2,38].
Seedling establishment/growth: Gooseberryleaf globemallow generally produces strong and persistent seedlings [34,57]. Seedling survival is relatively low, however, on arid Utah rangeland [42]. Seedling growth rates in globemallows are "moderately high" [34]. Gooseberryleaf globemallow seedlings may mature by the second growing season [61].
Vegetative regeneration: As of this writing (2007) there are no accounts in the literature of vegetative regeneration in gooseberryleaf globemallow. However, it is likely that gooseberryleaf globemallow sprouts from the caudex after top-kill.
The scientific name of gooseberryleaf globemallow is Sphaeralcea
grossulariifolia (Hook. & Arn.) Rydb. (Malvaceae) [18,19,20,25,26,27,63].
There are 2 subspecies [25,26]:
Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia (Hook. & Arn.)
Rydb. subsp. grossulariifolia
Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia (Hook. & Arn.) Rydb. subsp. pedata
(Torr. ex Gray) Kearney
Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family known by the common name gooseberryleaf globemallow.[1] It is native to the western United States, where it can be found in the Great Basin and surrounding regions. It grows in sagebrush, woodlands, playas, and the canyons of the upper Colorado River. It is common in disturbed areas, such as habitat recently cleared by wildfire.[2]
Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia is a perennial herb that produces erect stems up to 1 m. (3 ft.) tall from a woody base. The root system is large, constituting a stout, tough taproot and a spreading fibrous root network.[2]
The herbage is usually woolly in texture, but hairless specimens are known, and it is gray-green to purplish in color. The leaves have three-lobed blades with toothed or lobed edges, measuring up to 3.5 centimeters long. As the plant's name suggests, the leaves are sometimes shaped like those of plants in the family Grossulariaceae, the currants and gooseberries.
Flowers occur in a raceme-like inflorescence. Each flower has five red-orange petals each 1 to 2 centimeters long. The flowers are pollinated by many bee species and by wasps of the genus Ammoplanus.[2]
Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family known by the common name gooseberryleaf globemallow. It is native to the western United States, where it can be found in the Great Basin and surrounding regions. It grows in sagebrush, woodlands, playas, and the canyons of the upper Colorado River. It is common in disturbed areas, such as habitat recently cleared by wildfire.
