Common Name: Dwarf Mallow

General Information

Malva neglecta is an ascending to procumbent, annual to short-lived perennial plant growing from a thick taproot; it can grow 8 - 60cm tall, though sometimes has trailing stems up to 100cm long. It produces numerous, branched stems that become more or less woody at the base[, ].
The plant is often harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is occasionally cultivated for its edible leaves.
Malva neglecta has been introduced essentially worldwide in temperate areas. It is the most commonly found mallow in most of North America, and is usually considered a weed[].

Known Hazards

When grown on nitrogen rich soils (and particularly when these are inorganic), the plant tends to concentrate high levels of nitrates in its leaves[]. The leaves are perfectly wholesome at all other times.

Botanical References

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Range

Eurasia - Sweden and Britain to Portugal, through Transcaucasia to Mongolia, China, through Turkey to India, Arabia; N. Africa - Algeria, Morocco

Habitat

Waste and cultivated ground[], usually on dry soils, frequently in coastal habitats, on dry walls or as a weed of cultivated ground[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual/Perennial
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A very easily grown plant, succeeding in ordinary garden soil, though it prefers a reasonably well-drained and moderately fertile soil in a sunny position. It also succeeds in dry soils.
At one time this plant was often cultivated for its edible leaves[]. The plant was cultivated by ancient Greeks and Romans as a common salad vegetable. It was still cultivated in Europe in the Middle Ages (Camerarius). According to Startewant, it is still grown at present in Egypt[].
The plant is exceedingly polymorphic, with a large number of varieties having been described[].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].
Prone to infestation by rust fungus.

Edible Uses

Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked[, , , , ]. A mild pleasant flavour[], they are said to be highly nutritious[]. They can be added in quantity to salads, and make an excellent lettuce substitute, they can also be cooked as greens[, ]. The leaves are mucilaginous, when cooked in soups etc they tend to thicken it in much the same way as okra (Abelmoschatus esculenta)[]. Some people find this mucilaginous texture unpleasant, especially if the leaves are cooked[].

Immature seeds - raw or cooked[, , ]. A pleasant nutty flavour, they are nice as a nibble but too small for most people to want to collect in quantity[].

A decoction of the roots is used as an egg-white substitute for making meringue[]. The roots are brought to the boil in water and then simmered until the water becomes quite thick. This liquid can then be whisked in much the same way as egg whites[].

A tea can be made from the dried leaves[, ].

Medicinal

The roots and foliage of Malva neglecta are rich in mucilage and this can be utilized to treat a number of conditions. All parts of the plant are antiphlogistic, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, laxative, salve[, , ]. The leaves and flowers are the main part used. They are not often used internally, though they can be taken in the treatment of conditions such as respiratory system diseases or inflammation of the digestive or urinary systems[, , ]. The plant is considered to be an excellent laxative for young children[].
The leaves and flowers can be eaten as part of the diet, or a tea can be made from the leaves, flowers or roots[].

A decoction of leaves and roots (sometimes with honey and vinegar added) is used as a gargle for treating inflammatory conditions of the respiratory organs[]. An infusion of the roots is sometimes drunk as a slimming aid, whilst an infusion of the leaves (usually with milk) is used for its diuretic effect[].
Applied externally, the plant is used to make an effective poultice for treating bites and stings, skin inflammations, bruises, ulcerations, swellings, haemorrhoids etc (it can also be applied as an enema when treating haemorrhoids)[].

The plant has similar properties, but is considered to be inferior to the marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis), though it is considered to be stronger acting than the common mallow (Malva sylvestris)[].

Other Uses

Cream, yellow and green dyes can be obtained from the plant and the seed heads[].

The fibrous root is used as a toothbrush[].

The seeds contain about 17.7% light green oil, with iodine number 125.7[].

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring or autumn in situ. Germination should take place within 2 weeks. The seed germinates in the autumn in the wild.