Malva neglecta Dwarf mallow (Malvaceae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Malva neglecta
Dwarf mallow
(1 Page of 5)

The Malva neglecta plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Malvaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Dwarf mallow.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Malva neglecta
Common Name:  Dwarf mallow
Family:  Malvaceae
Author:  Wallr.

Known Hazards:  When grown on nitrogen rich soils (and particularly when these are inorganic), the plant tends to concentrate high levels of nitrates in its leaves[76]. The leaves are perfectly wholesome at all other times.

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Waste and cultivated ground[17], usually on dry soils, frequently in coastal habitats, on dry walls or as a weed of cultivated ground[200].

Edible Uses: Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked[2, 9, 13, 74, 85]. A mild pleasant flavour[K], they are said to be highly nutritious[222]. They can be added in quantity to salads, and make an excellent lettuce substitute, they can also be cooked as greens[183, K]. The leaves are mucilaginous, when cooked in soups etc they tend to thicken it in much the same way as okra (Abelmoschatus esculenta)[222]. Some people find this mucilaginous texture unpleasant, especially if the leaves are cooked[K]. Immature seeds - raw or cooked[74, 85, 183]. A pleasant nutty flavour, they are nice as a nibble but too small for most people to want to collect in quantity[K]. A decoction of the roots is used as an egg-white substitute for making meringue[183]. The roots are brought to the boil in water and then simmered until the water becomes quite thick. This liquid can then be whisked in much the same way as egg whites[K]. A tea can be made from the dried leaves[85, 183].

For further Malva neglecta gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future