20184920 (2)-SharpenAI-Softness Maltese Cross
Maltese Cross is an introduced erect perennial growing 20 to 40 inches high on stout leafy stems that have stiff hair.
Leaves are egg shaped or broadly lance-shaped with one main rib, opposite and entire. The base is rounded, tight to the stem, no stalk.
The inflorescence is a cluster of many flowers rising from the upper pair of leaves. The cluster is very tight with leafy bracts that have fine hair.
Flowers: The brilliant flowers, each no more than an inch wide, sessile, have a green 10-veined tubular calyx that is covered with hair and ends in 5 short sharply pointed triangular lobes. The 5 flower petals in the shape of a Maltese Cross are very deeply cleft with clawed bases. While usually scarlet in color, they can also be white to pink. There are 5 stamens and 5 styles, stamens with red filaments with yellow anthers.
Seeds: Fertile flowers form an ovoid capsule that has the 5 teeth of the calyx at its opening and contains reddish-brown seeds. When the capsule opens at the top seeds are dispersed by action of the wind.
Habitat: As an introduced plant it will usually be found in the wild along roadsides, in waste places, open woodlands and disturbed areas. It therefore tolerates drier soils of various types. As a garden plant, it makes a brilliant display in full sun.
20184920 (2)-SharpenAI-Softness Maltese Cross
Maltese Cross is an introduced erect perennial growing 20 to 40 inches high on stout leafy stems that have stiff hair.
Leaves are egg shaped or broadly lance-shaped with one main rib, opposite and entire. The base is rounded, tight to the stem, no stalk.
The inflorescence is a cluster of many flowers rising from the upper pair of leaves. The cluster is very tight with leafy bracts that have fine hair.
Flowers: The brilliant flowers, each no more than an inch wide, sessile, have a green 10-veined tubular calyx that is covered with hair and ends in 5 short sharply pointed triangular lobes. The 5 flower petals in the shape of a Maltese Cross are very deeply cleft with clawed bases. While usually scarlet in color, they can also be white to pink. There are 5 stamens and 5 styles, stamens with red filaments with yellow anthers.
Seeds: Fertile flowers form an ovoid capsule that has the 5 teeth of the calyx at its opening and contains reddish-brown seeds. When the capsule opens at the top seeds are dispersed by action of the wind.
Habitat: As an introduced plant it will usually be found in the wild along roadsides, in waste places, open woodlands and disturbed areas. It therefore tolerates drier soils of various types. As a garden plant, it makes a brilliant display in full sun.