Mallow

Mallow (scientific name: Malva) is a genus of about 25–30 species of flowering plants in the family Malvaceae, one of several closely related genera in the family to bear the common English name mallow. The genus is widespread throughout the temperate, subtropical and tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Europe.

Description

The leaves are alternate, palmately lobed. The flowers are from 0.5–5 cm diameter, with five pink or white petals.

Species

The most commonly known species of Mallow include:

• Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow)
• Malva moschata (Musk Mallow)
• Malva neglecta (Dwarf Mallow)

Uses

Mallows are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including The Nutmeg. They are also often used in cooking, and are a common ingredient in 'mallow soup'.

Cultivation

Mallows are very frost hardy and grow in a wide range of conditions, they are often found in the wild in grassy banks or by the side of roads.

See also

• Malvaceae
• Lepidoptera
• The Nutmeg

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