Cheeseweed, Cheeseweed mallow

Malva parviflora

Physical Characteristics

Malva parviflora is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S.W. Europe. A casual in Britain.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Leaves - raw or cooked as a potherb[61, 114, 183]. A mild pleasant flavour, they make a very acceptable alternative to lettuce in salads[K]. Immature seeds - raw or cooked[114, 183]. They are used to make a creamed vegetable soup that resembles pea soup[183]. A few leaves are also added for colouring[183]. The seeds have a pleasant nutty flavour, though they are too small for most people to want to collect in quantity[K].

Medicinal Uses

Antidandruff Demulcent Emollient Pectoral Skin The whole plant is emollient and pectoral[114, 240]. It can be used as a poultice on swellings, running sores and boils[257]. The seeds are demulcent[240]. They are used in the treatment of coughs and ulcers in the bladder[240]. A decoction of the roots or leaves has been used as a hair rinse to remove dandruff and to soften the hair[257].

Known Hazards

Although we have seen no reports of toxicity for this species, when grown on nitrogen rich soils (and particularly when these are cultivated inorganically), the leaves of some species tend to concentrate high levels of nitrates in their leaves[76]. The leaves are perfectly wholesome at all other times.