Malva pusilla

Malva pusilla, also known as Malva rotundifolia (the latter of which is now officially rejected by botanists), the low mallow,[1] small mallow,[2] or the round-leaved mallow, is an annual and biennial herb species of the Mallow genus Malva in the family of Malvaceae. Malva is a genus that consists of about 30 species of plants. This genus consists of plants named mallows. Mallows grow in many regions, including temperate, subtropical, and tropical areas.[3]

Malva pusilla
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Malva
Species:
M. pusilla
Binomial name
Malva pusilla
Synonyms

Malva rotundifolia L.

Distribution

Malva pusilla is native to temperate and Mediterranean Europe, Turkey, Caucasia, and northwest Iran.[4] It is invasive to North America, Europe, and Korea.[5] In the United States, in can specifically be found in the states of California, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.[6]

"Invasive distribution of Malva pusilla in North America"

Habitat and ecology

Malva pusilla can be found widely in wastelands, grasslands, pastures, and by roadsides.[7] It is easy to grow in ordinary garden conditions in moist, fertile soil and a sunny setting. It is prone to predation by rabbits and infestation by rust fungus.[8]

Invasiveness

Mallows can be used as garden flowers. However, some species are considered weeds, especially in areas where they are not native. Malva pusilla grows rapidly as a weed in gardens and farmlands. It is considered hard to get rid of because of its long and tough taproots. Among cultivated crops, it can be very competitive and it can spread very quickly. Herbicide control options of this mallow are limited and not highly effective.[9]

Morphology

Malva pusilla stems can grow to a height of 4–20 inches (100–510 mm). Malva pusilla leaves are attached alternately to the stem. Leaves have orbicular shape (widely triangular) with palmate venation and serrate margins. In the past, mallows were often referred to as cheesepants because the carpel is shaped similarly to a triangular wedge of cheese.[3]

Flowers and seeds

The Malva pusilla flower consists of five petals of white, sometimes pale pink, color with pink venation. Petals and calyx are about the same length.[7] It has many stamens and the filaments are fused. Flowering begins in June and July and ends in September and October. Flowers bloom in groups of 2 to 5 at the base of the leaf stalks. The flower's nectar is located near the upper surface of the sepals. It is self-pollinating with the aid of insects.[3] The flowers are hermaphrodite, consisting of both female and male parts.[8] There are usually 8 to 12 seeds per flower that are arranged in a ring. The tough seed coat enables it to remain dormant in the soil for up to 100 years. Seeds tend to germinate late in the springtime during temperatures of 15–20 °C (59–68 °F).[9]

Uses

Dyes

Dyes can be obtained from the Malva pusilla plant and seed heads, such as cream, yellow, and green. The root can also be used as a toothbrush.[8]

Food

Some species of mallows are eaten as a leaf vegetable. The leaves and seeds of Malva pusilla are edible. They have a mild and pleasant flavor that can be used in salads.[8]

Medicinal

Malva pusilla has medicinal uses. The leaves are demulcent, which can be used as a soothing agent to relieve minor pain and membrane inflammation. They can be used to treat inflammation of the digestive and urinary systems. The seed of the Malva pusilla can be used in the treatment of coughs, bronchitis, ulcers, and hemorrhoids. It can also be applied externally to treat diseases of the skin. Although there have been no indications of dangerous toxicity, the leaves of Malva pusilla can be highly concentrated in nitrates, which can be dangerous to animals.[8]

Cross hybridization

Extensive hybridization can be done within the Mallow genus Malva. A cross between Malva pusilla and Malva neglecta is Malva ×henningii. A cross between Malva pusilla and Malva sylvestris is Malva ×littoralis.[4]

References
  1. USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Malva pusilla". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  2. BSBI List 2007 (xls). Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 26 June 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2014.
  3. "Dwarf Mallow". NatureGate. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
  4. Hinsley, Stewart R. "Malvaceae Info". Retrieved 19 October 2013.
  5. "Malva pusilla". Invasive Species Compendium. CABI. 30 August 2013. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
  6. "Low Mallow (Malva Pusilla)". Sagebud. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
  7. Garms, Harry; Wilhelm Eigener; A. Melderis; Joyce Pope (1967). The Natural History of Europe All in Color. Paul Hamlyn.
  8. "Malva pusilla – Sm". Plants for a Future. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
  9. "Round-leaved Mallow". Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives. Manitoba. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
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