About Malvella leprosa (Ortega) Krapov.
Malvella leprosa (Ortega) Krapov. is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family, commonly known by the common names alkali mallow and alkali sida. It is native to much of the western United States, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile, and it is an introduced species in parts of Australia. In many regions, whether it is native or introduced there, this plant is often a noxious weed that easily invades habitats, including areas with alkaline and saline soils. In California, the plant can be found on agricultural lands, including crop fields and orchards. This plant is a decumbent perennial herb that produces a white-hairy stem up to about 40 centimetres (16 inches) long, and spreads along the ground. Its leaves are variable in shape, but are generally lobed with wavy edges, and measure 1 to 3 centimetres (3⁄8 to 1+1⁄8 inches) wide. Leaves grow singly or in clusters of up to 3 from leaf axils. Each flower has a cup-shaped corolla of five petals, up to 1.5 centimetres (2⁄3 inch) long, in shades of pale pink, white, or light yellow. The fruit is disc-shaped and divided into several segments.
