Malva sylvestris var. mauritiana Seeds - French mallow

Malva sylvestris var. mauritiana is a Mediterranean subspecies of the Common Mallow or High Mallow that grows in woods. It is more biennial than perennial, developing sturdy stems adorned with large dark purple-pink flowers. Easy to cultivate in partial shade or non-scorching sun, this mallow offers a magnificent display throughout the summer, even in the first year of cultivation. It is frost-resistant, tolerates almost all types of soil, and withstands summer drought. A good bedding plant, sometimes grown for its nutritional or medicinal qualities.

Malva sylvestris var. mauritiana is a medicinal plant native to fallow lands and sunny undergrowth in the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the mallow family, like the marshmallow (Althea officinalis) used by our pharmacists. More decorative than the native Malva sylvestris, it has larger flowers. It has given rise to several cultivars such as 'Bibor Felho', 'Moravia', or 'Organic'.

The Mauritanian mallow is an upright plant with spreading stems, measuring between 60 cm and 1.20 m in height when in flower and occupying 60 cm of ground space. Its growth depends on the soil it is planted in. In spring, it first forms a well-rounded rosette composed of large heart-shaped to rounded, slightly lobed, crenate leaves, measuring up to 15 cm in diameter, in a beautiful, rich dark green colour. Branched and leafy stems develop later, forming a fairly loose branching structure. Flowering occurs from June to September depending on the sowing date. The flowers are grouped in well-distributed clusters in the axils of the leaves on sturdy stems. Their 5-petaled corollas measure between 3 and 5 cm in diameter. Overall, their colour is a dark pink-purple that leans more towards bluish than those of the classic sylvestris form. They are also more subtly veined. This flowering is nectar-rich. After pollination, small wheel-shaped fruits form, containing 11 or 12 large seeds.

The Mauritanian mallow is ideal in natural areas, on large slopes, or in cottage gardens alongside lavateras, mulleins (Verbascum), or tall thistles.

It is also an edible plant. Its young leaves are consumed as a vegetable in Morocco, just like spinach, prepared with lemon juice. It is a delicious dish and useful for promoting intestinal transit. This plant is also known for its soothing properties on burns and digestive disorders. In Mediterranean cuisine, it is also used raw in salads. Nowadays, it is used in the preparation of soothing balms. Caution, leaves stained with rust are unfit for consumption.