Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 686 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000529011
Common Names
- Althaea officinalis
- Officinalis Althaea
- Marshmallow Althaea
Synonyms
- Althaea kragujevacensis Pančić [unknown]
- Althaea multiflora Rchb. ex Regel [unknown]
- Althaea officinalis micrantha Dostál [unknown]
- Althaea officinalis pseudoarmeniaca Polg. [unknown]
- Althaea sublobata Stokes [unknown]
- Althaea taurinensis DC. [unknown]
- Althaea kragujevacensis Pančić [unknown]
- Malva althaea E.H.L.Krause [unknown]
- Malva maritima Salisb. [unknown]
- Malva officinalis K.F.Schimp. & Spenn. [unknown]
Description
Althaea officinalis (also called Marshmallow, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and North Africa. It grows up to 1.5 m in height and has a spreading habit. It prefers moist soils in sunny areas and is commonly found in wetlands, meadows and grasslands.
Uses & Benefits
Althaea officinalis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a ground cover. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat various ailments such as fever, skin diseases, and stomach problems.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Althaea officinalis is white with a yellow center, and the seed is a small, dark brown nut. The seedlings are small and have a thin stem with small, light green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Althaea officinalis is a perennial herb that is native to South America. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be taken from healthy stems and placed in a moist soil mix. The plants should be kept in a warm, sunny location and watered regularly.
Where to Find Althaea officinalis
Althaea officinalis can be found in the Mediterranean region, including parts of Spain, Italy, and Greece.
Althaea officinalis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Althaea officinalis?
Althaea officinalis
What is the family of Althaea officinalis?
Malvaceae
What is the habitat of Althaea officinalis?
Moist, grassy meadows
Species in the Althaea genus
Althaea angulata,
Althaea armeniaca,
Althaea bertramii,
Althaea cannabina,
Althaea chrysantha,
Althaea damascena,
Althaea hiri,
Althaea litvinovii,
Althaea octaviae,
Althaea officinalis,
Althaea oppenheimii,
Althaea villosa,
Species in the Malvaceae family
Abelmoschus angulosus,
Abelmoschus caillei,
Abelmoschus crinitus,
Abelmoschus esculentus,
Abelmoschus ficulneus,
Abelmoschus hostilis,
Abelmoschus magnificus,
Abelmoschus manihot,
Abelmoschus moschatus,
Abelmoschus muliensis,
Abelmoschus sagittifolius,
Abelmoschus enbeepeegearensis,
Abroma augustum,
Abutilon abutiloides,
Abutilon affine,
Abutilon alii,
Abutilon amplum,
Abutilon andrewsianum,
Abutilon andrieuxii,
Abutilon anglosomaliae,
Abutilon angulatum,
Abutilon anodoides,
Abutilon appendiculatum,
Abutilon arenarium,
Abutilon arequipense,
Abutilon auritum,
Abutilon austroafricanum,
Abutilon badium,
Abutilon balansae,
Abutilon bastardioides,
Abutilon benedictum,
Abutilon berlandieri,
Abutilon bidentatum,
Abutilon bracteosum,
Abutilon buchii,
Abutilon burandtii,
Abutilon bussei,
Abutilon californicum,
Abutilon calliphyllum,
Abutilon carinatum,
Abutilon coahuilae,
Abutilon commutatum,
Abutilon cryptopetalum,
Abutilon cuspidatum,
Abutilon densiflorum,
Abutilon dinteri,
Abutilon dispermum,
Abutilon divaricatum,
Abutilon dugesii,
Abutilon durandoi,