Desert mallow
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Desert Mallow, Sphaeralcea incana (S. laxa, ribifolia), is also known as Caliche Globemallow, Desert Globemallow, False Mallow, Globe Mallow, Sore Eye Mallow, Sore Eye Poppy. In the Diné (Navajo) language, it is known as Azeentliini, which means "Gummy medicine". Desert Mallow is a perennial desert plant. If you get the fine fuzz from the leaves into your eyes, it will cause irritation.
In the spring, it blooms with brilliant orange flowers, forming carpets of orange in some locations, following a good winter rainy season. It can also have pink or white flowers. Desert Mallow has been used for medicinal purposes by the Native Americans and others. The top of the plant was made into a beverage or eaten. It is said to be nourishing and tasty. The roots and leaves are demulcent and emollient. People used a poultice of fresh crushed leaves for skin injuries or inflammations, or to line their shoes or fill their socks while hiking. The leaf and flower tea is gentle, and was used for respiratory irritations and flu. A formula can be made by mixing flowers and leaves with Chaparral (Larrea tridentata): 1 part Chaparral to 6 parts Desert Mallow. People pounded the roots and leaves and soaked them in water, making a sticky mass, to put on sores to stop bleeding. The preparation was used as a lotion for skin diseases. The dried powder was also used as a dusting powder. People used the root in the same manner as marshmallow root. It was also used as a tonic to improve appetite. It is said to sooth and heal all irritated body parts. It is considered very effective when mixed with Uva Ursi for urinary tract problems.
This plant is pretty cool. This site would be too, if it had good information for dumb projects!
