Common Mallow, Dwarf mallow
Malva neglecta

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

An annual herb about 0.5 m high. It is mostly low lying. The leaves are round or kidney shaped and 2-5 cm across. They have shallow lobes and a wavy edge. There are fine teeth around the edge. The flowers are pale lilac with darker veins. They are small and in stalked clusters in the axils of leaves. The petals are deeply notched on the outer edges. The fruit are nutlets which are brownish-green when ripe. They have smooth hairy backs.

There are about 30 Malva species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in neglected pasture. It will grow in most soils and in most positions. It is resistant to frost and drought. In Pakistan it grows to 4,500 m altitude. It can grow in arid places. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Balkans, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia, Brazil, Britain, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Caribbean, Caucasus, Central Africa, Central America, Central Asia, Chile, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Egypt, Estonia, Europe (country/location of origin), Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Haiti, Himalayas, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Middle East, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scandinavia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South America, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, USA, Uzbekistan, West Indies, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten raw or cooked. They are boiled and then fried. Young seeds can be eaten raw or cooked. Seeds are ground and added to bread. The leaves can be used to thicken soup and stews. The leaves are used for sarma in Turkey. They are rolled around a filling of rice or minced meat. A decoction of the roots can be used as an egg substitute for meringue pies. The dried leaves are made into tea. The immature fruit are eaten raw by children. They can be used as a substitute for capers.

Leaves are sold in local markets. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable, seeds, fruit, nectar, flowers, stems

How it is grown

It can be grown by seed.

Its other names

Local names

Balba, Cobancoregi, Colacei, Duelik, Ebegumeci, Ebemkomeci, Eberngumec, Guyapaniroka, Hibbes, Hibbeze, Jungali soxal, Kalacska virag, Khubbayzah, Khubasi, Mali sljez, Moloka, Navadni slezenovec, Panaruk. Panerak, Papsajt, Riondella, Rioundela, Sechal sha, Sitara sunchal, Slez, Sochal, Sochar, Sonchal, Techi, Tikali, Tikalay, Toleke, Tolig, Tolik, Tollik, Tolka, Veraruejik, Xemazek, Zangali panerak

Synonyms

Malva rotundifolia auct.;