Althaea (genus)

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This article is about the plant genus. For other uses, see Althaea (disambiguation).

For the confection, see marshmallow.

Althaea

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Malvales
Family:	Malvaceae
Genus:	Althaea L.

Species

Althaea armeniaca
Althaea broussonetiifolia *
Althaea cannabina - Hemp-leaved Marshmallow
Althaea hirsuta - Hairy Marshmallow
Althaea longifolia
Althaea ludwigii
Althaea narbonensis *
Althaea officinalis - Marshmallow
* Not accepted as distinct by all authors

Althaea is a genus of 6-12 species of perennial herbs, including the marshmallow plant from whence the confection got its name, native to Europe and western Asia. They are found on the banks of rivers and in salt marshes, preferring moist, sandy soils. The stems grow to 1-2 m tall, and flower in mid summer. The leaves are palmately lobed with 3-7 lobes. Althaea species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Bucculatrix quadrigemina.

The genus formerly included a number of additional species now treated in the genus Alcea (Hollyhocks).

The root contains starch (37%), mucilage (11%), pectin (11%), flavonoids, phenolic acids, sucrose, and asparagine.

[edit] Uses

In herbalism mallow is used as a gargle to treat mouth and throat ulcers. It is also useful for gastric ulcers.

The flowers and young leaves can be eaten. Added to salads or boiled and fried they are quite delicious. They are also used in cosmetics for the skin.

Marshmallow is regarded as a plant of the Moon, ruled by water. In magic it is used for protection, to enhance psychic powers, clairvoyance and divination, and in spells of love and happiness. A useful addition to the Exorcisists toolbox, it brings calm and tranquility. Sprinkle powdered marshmallow on tarot cards or runes before a reading to bring clearer insight. ^[1]