Common Name: Australian Hollyhock

General Information

Malva preissiana is an erect, much-branched, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 4 metres tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - Tasmania, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, Northern Territories

Habitat

Clayey soils and areas subject to flooding[]. Rocky islands, stony plains, flat valley floors, road verges etc, growing on grey-white or brown sand, red-brown sandy clay, black, brown & red sandy loam, guano, granite, limestone[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Malva preissiana is native to much of southern and central Australia, avoiding the more tropical regions of the country. It is somewhat tolerant of frost, especially those forms obtained from Tasmania and the southerly parts of mainland Australia.
Easily grown in any ordinary garden soil[]. Prefers a light well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun[]. A soil that is too rich encourages foliar growth at the expense of flowering[].
Plants tend to be short-lived. They often grow through the winter in their native environment, flowering in spring and early summer and then often dying. However, they generally self-sow freely when in a suitable position.

Edible Uses

Young leaves - raw or cooked.

Root - raw or cooked[]. A parsnip-like consistency[, , ].

Medicinal

The leaves are used as a poultice[].

Other Uses

A strong fibre obtained from the stems is used for making string, bags, paper etc[, ].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.