Smaller tree-mallow, Cretan hollyhock
Malva multiflora

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows each year from seeds. The stem is tough and hairy. It grows 1-3 m tall. The leaves have several lobes and can have wavy edges. The leaves are 10 cm long. The flowers are small and pink or light purple. The fruit is disk shaped.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Europe, Italy, Mediterranean, Morocco, North Africa, North America, Sicily, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The immature fruit are eaten raw as a snack. The young leaves and stems are stewed.

Edible parts

Leaves, stems, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bakkoula, Develik, Gomec, Khoubbiza, Marva, Tolik

Synonyms

Althaea cretica (L.) Kuntze; Lavatera cretica L.; Malope multiflora Cav.; Malva linnaei M.F. Ray; and several others