Re: [gardeners] Althea officinalis uses
Olin (gardeners@globalgarden.com)
Tue, 9 Mar 1999 07:56:06 -0700
You description sounds a lot like what we call cheese weed. We have two
types: the common mallow and little leaf mallow (m. parvafolia). Both are
common in cultivated crops, landscapes and gardens. Sounds like yours could
be either one. When we were kids, we used to nibble on the cheesy
buttonlike fruit. The only use I know of is to chop it up with the
lawnmower before the seeds develop and compost it. We also have a globe
mallow that grows wild in landscapes but it is kind of pretty (in bloom
right now) and we usually let it grow if it doesn't get in the way. -Olin
-----Original Message-----
From: Jane Burdekin <burdekij@bvsd.k12.co.us>
Subject: Re: [gardeners] Althea officinalis uses
> ...The plant I am looking at in the garden is
>definately a weed ... is low to the ground and spreads out in
>a rosette shape. The leaves are round and scalloped on the edges. It
>produces small whitish/purplish flowers and forms a button shaped like a
>hollyhock seed button later. It has a carrot like tap root that is heading
>for China and if you leave any piece of it a new plant (weed) will form.
>Any ideas???
>
>Jane
>
>>
>> At 05:23 AM 3/8/99 -0700, you wrote:
>> ><snip>I got distracted trying to find out if the "weed" called
>> >Malva was of some value. I recently took an herb class and it is one of
>> >the plants the instructor pointed out. Does any one know if it is the
>same
>> >as marshmallow plant. I am thinking it is Althaea officinalis but I
>can't
>> >find a picture to confirm it. If that is the right name there seems to
>be
>> >many uses for this common weed that I keep digging and throwing in the
>> >compost. If it is that I sure hope I haven't completely iradicated it
>from
>> >the garden, what are the odds of that? I better get out there and
>finish
>> >preparing for pea planting tonight.
>> >
>> >Jane
>>
>>
>> Hi Jane,
>>
>> I have some info from, "The Herb Book", by John Lust. Says, common names
>> for Althea officinalis is Marshmallow, mortification root, sweet weed,
>> wymote. The medicinal parts are root, leaves, flowers.
>>
>> Properties and uses... Demulcent, emollient, diuretic. It's particular
>> excellence is soothing irritated tissue. Externally, use it as a
>poultice
>> for irritations, burns, carbuncles, and furuncle, and wounds. (what the
>> heck is a furuncle?).
>>
>> It says more, but I don't have time to type it all out this morning. If
>> you really want more, let me know and I will type up the rest of the
>> decoction info etc. I also have info on Malva sylvestris and Malva
>> rotundifolia if you need it.
>>
>> A good place to start looking for a pic is at virtual garden
>>
>> http://www.vg.com/cgi-bin/VG/vg
>>
>> Cynthia
>>
>>
>> **Womyn Who Moves Mountains-Little Finger Of Michigan**
>> **cmayeaux@traverse.com **USDA zone 4b-Sunset zone 41**
>> ** http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Studios/2659/garden/cynthia.html **
>