Malva

Malva is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae), commonly called mallows. The genus includes a number of species, notably Malva sylvestris (common mallow), Malva neglecta (dwarf or cheeseweed), Malva moschata (musk mallow), and Malva alcea (hollyhock mallow).

These are herbaceous plants, annuals or perennials, with softly hairy stems. Leaves are typically round to kidney-shaped with palmate lobes. Flowers are solitary or in loose clusters, with five petals that are usually pink, mauve, or white, often with darker veins. The fruit is a disk-shaped schizocarp sometimes described as a "cheese wheel" because of its segmented surface.

Native to Europe, western Asia, and northwestern Africa, Malva species are now widespread in temperate regions around the world. They favor disturbed sites, meadows, roadsides, and gardens and can be weedy survivors in cultivated land.

Humans use Malva leaves and flowers as edible greens and garnish; they are also rich in mucilage and have traditional medicinal uses as demulcents for coughs and digestive irritation. Some garden species are cultivated for ornamental flowers.

Taxonomy: Malva belongs to the tribe Malveae in the subfamily Malvoideae of Malvaceae. Several species have spread as garden escapes and can become persistent weeds in suitable habitats.