Malva parviflora | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Eudicots |
(unranked): | Rosids |
Order: | Malvales |
Family: | Malvaceae |
Genus: | Malva |
Species: | M. parviflora |
Binomial name | |
Malva parviflora L. |
Malva parviflora is an annual or perennial herb that is native to Northern Africa, Europe and Asia and is widely naturalised elsewhere.[1] Common names include cheeseweed,[1] cheeseweed mallow, Egyptian mallow,[1] least mallow, little mallow,[1] mallow,[2] marshmallow,[2] small-flowered mallow,[3] small-flowered marshmallow[4] and smallflower mallow.[2] M. parviflora leaf extracts possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.[5] It has a decumbent or erect habit, growing to 50 cm in height.[3] The broad leaves have 5 to 7 lobes and are 8 to 10 cm in diameter.[3] It has small white or pink flowers with 4 to 6 mm long petals.[3]