Malva nicaeensis
Bull Mallow
a perennial member of the Malva genus in the family Malvaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
Uses
Toxicity
Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
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[8]. The leaves are perfectly wholesome at all other times.
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Leaves - raw or cooked[3]. A very mild flavour with a mucilaginous texture, they make a very acceptable part of a mixed salad, or a good filling for a salad sandwich, though they are somewhat boring on their own[K]. The cooked leaf has a rather slimy texture[K]. Seed - raw. Best used before it is fully mature, the seed has a pleasant nutty taste but it is rather small and fiddly to harvest[K].
- Plant part
- Leaves
- Plant part
- Seed
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
A decoction of the plant has been used in the treatment of migraine headaches[6]. A poultice of the heated leaves has been applied to the head or stomach to relieve pain[6]. A decoction of the roots has been used to treat fevers, especially in children[6].
- Product or use
- Analgesic
- Product or use
- Febrifuge
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Cream, yellow and green dyes can be obtained from the plant and the seed heads[2]. A decoction of the roots has been used as a hair rinse[6].
- Product or use
- Dye
- Product or use
- Hair care
Environment
- Range
- Europe to W. Asia. An introduced and not infrequent casual in Britain, occasionally established.
- Habitat
- Stony and rocky ground[4].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 7+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - sow early spring in situ. Germination should take place within 2 weeks.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
A very easily grown plant, succeeding in ordinary garden soil[1], though it prefers a reasonably well-drained and moderately fertile soil in a sunny position[4]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[5]. Plants are prone to infestation by rust fungus[4]. This species is closely related to M. sylvestris[7]. Plants growing in an open sunny position in the Order Beds at Cambridge Botanical gardens are very similar to M. sylvestris and, like that species, are clearly perennial even though we have read reports that they are annual[K].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-02-544950-8
Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8
Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9
? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press 1964-00-00
Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO 1984-00-00 ISBN 0112425291