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Malva_meluca - Graebn.

Common Name
Family Malvaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards Although we have seen no reports of toxicity for this species, when grown on nitrogen rich soils (and particularly when these are cultivated inorganically), the leaves of some species tend to concentrate high levels of nitrates in their leaves[76]. The leaves are perfectly wholesome at all other times.
Habitats Not known
Range Southern S. America.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Malva_meluca


Malva_meluca

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Malva_meluca is a ANNUAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. A mild pleasant flavour. Seed - raw or cooked. Best used before it is fully mature, the seed has a pleasant nutty taste but it is rather small and fiddly to harvest[K].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

A fibre obtained from the stems is a jute substitute[61, 74]. The seed contains up to 20% oil, it is used for making soap[74]. Cream, yellow and green dyes can be obtained from the plant and the seed heads[168].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

A very easily grown plant, succeeding in ordinary garden soil[1], though it prefers a reasonably well-drained and moderately fertile soil in a sunny position[200]. This species has been cultivated for the fibre contained in its stems[61, 74]. This species is considered to be no more than a form of M. verticillata by some botanists[50]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. Prone to infestation by rust fungus[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in situ. Germination should take place within 2 weeks.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Malva meluca Annual1.2 -  LMHSNM202

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Graebn.

Botanical References

5074

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

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Subject : Malva_meluca  
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