Chinese Mallow, Cluster mallow

Malva verticillata

Physical Characteristics

Malva verticillata is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 1.7 m (5ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. 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

E. Asia - China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 51, 61, 100, 183]. The leaves of well-grown plants can be 15cm or more across. They have a mild and very pleasant flavour that makes an excellent addition to salads[K]. We use them as a tasty alternative to the lettuce[K]. Young seeds - raw or cooked. Used when green and immature[85]. A pleasant nutty taste but the seed is too small and fiddly for most people to want to harvest[K].

Medicinal Uses

Demulcent Digestive Diuretic Emollient Galactogogue Laxative The seed contains mucilage, polysaccharides and flavonoids[279]. It is demulcent, diuretic, emollient, galactogogue and laxative[147, 176, 218]. The seeds are used in Tibetan medicine, where they are considered to have a sweet and astringent taste plus a heating potency[241]. They are used in the treatment of renal disorders, the retention of fluids, frequent thirst and diarrhoea[241]. The root is used to cause vomiting in the treatment of whooping cough[240]. The leaves and stems are said to be digestive[240]. They are given to women in the advanced stages of pregnancy[240].

Known Hazards

When grown on nitrogen rich soils (and particularly when these are cultivated inorganically), the plant tends to concentrate high levels of nitrates in its leaves[76]. The leaves are perfectly wholesome at all other times.