Malvaceae: the Mallow Family
More than four thousand species worldwide with a surprise addition: the Lime tree (reclassified after molecular studies confirmed that this was a family member).
Epsom & Ewell Flower Finder
Malvaceae: the Mallow Family
The cotton plant is a member of this family. In the past, farming and fabric production relied on human slavery to drive its commercial success. As I write, people, including children, still endure poor working conditions to produce this fabric. Fairtrade cotton is working to remedy this:
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Malva sylvestris
Common Mallow, Tall Mallow, Mauve des Bois.
Hairy. Grows upright or sprawls on the ground. Up to 1 metre high.
About
An ancient introduction that grows all over the world - perhaps from the Persian or Roman Empire! In Middle Eastern cookery, the leaves are steamed for stews and salads; PLEASE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE PICKING.
During the seige of Jerusalem in 1948, Common Mallow helped to prevent malnutrition. On Independence day every year, the Jewish people celebrate the plant by preparing special dishes of mallow leaves.
HOMEMore information
SURREY'S WILDFLOWERING PROJECT is a community-led initiative, aiming to build a partnership that enables wildflowering in the county as well as promoting and celebrating the boroughs/districts diverse environments. Do take the time to find out more about the project and if you can get involved, even in a small way, you will make a difference.
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