Alcea officinalis
Guimauve officinale
Marsh Mallow
Additional information
| Plant family | |
|---|---|
| Area | Provence Verte |
| Flower colour | white, pink |
| Flower size | 15-20 mm |
| Flowering months | June, July |
| Leaf type | Cordate |
| Height | to 1.25 m |
Description
The Romans were eating it as a vegetable. In the 9th century, Emperor Charlemagne promoted its cultivation for medicinal purposes in the whole of the Frankish empire.
An erect plant with hairy stems and leaves.
Damp habitat.
Flowers
The 5-petalled pinkish-white flowers are clustered in the leaf axils.
Leaves
Cordate heart-shaped. Heart-shaped with 3-5 lobes, serrated, velvety, 3-8 cm.
Fruits Seeds
Schizocarp: a dry disc containing seeds that split into single seeded parts when ripe.
Edible
Root: must be 2 years old before it is eaten. Leaves: young tops.
Medical
All parts: relieves inflammation of mouth, pharynx, used for gastritis and gastric ulcers.
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