BioMatNet Item: Crops - Mallows (Althaea spp., Malva spp.)

Crops
Mallows (Althaea spp., Malva spp.)

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Common Name	MALLOWS
Latin binomial	Althaeaspp. and Malva spp.
Plant family	Malvaceae
Names in other languages	mauve sauvage and guimauve officinale (F), wilde mauve and eibisch (D), malva selvatica and malvavisco (E)

Marshmallow (A. officinalis) has been cultivated in parts of Europe for many years for the mucilage from the roots and foliage, which has many applications in medicine, cosmetics, and confectionery. The leaves of the more familiar wild flower, common mallow (M. sylvestris), also contain mucilage: both species are among those which are currently being examined as potential producers of stem fibre, particularly for papermaking. The vertical flowering stems of both species can attain 1 m or more in height, and annual establishment should not be necessary since these plants are perennials.

This entry forms part of the publication Crops for Industry and Energy in Europe

References:

Bremness, L (1988) The Complete Book of Herbs. London: Dorling Kindersley & National Trust.

Davison, M W & Martin, N V (Eds) (1981) Field Guide to the Wild Flowers of Britain. London: The Readers Digest Association Ltd.

Hornok, L (Ed) (1992) Cultivation and Processing of Medicinal Plants. University of Horticultural Sciences, Budapest. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.

Hubbard, C E (1968) Grasses (2nd Edn). Harmondsworth: Penguin Books Ltd.

Mabey, R (1996) Flora Britannica. London: Sinclair-Stevenson .

Perry, F (1972) Flowers of the World. London: Hamlyn Press.