Mallow Rust - Puccinia malvacearum

Puccinia malvacearum is a rust fungus that galls the leaves and petioles of members of the Malvaceae family including Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) and Mallows (Malva sylvestris, etc.).  There is no host alternation, and only telia are produced.  Numerous yellow spots occur on the upper surfaces of the leaves, whilst on the underside of the leaves and on the petioles it causes hard rounded swellings, occasionally yellowish but most often reddish brown and later powder grey.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain, especially in England and Wales.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.