Althaea officinalis L.

Spice Detail

Family: MALVACEAE

Genus: Althaea

Catalan common name: Altea. Malva blanca. Malví. Malvina.

Spanish common name: Altea. Altea común. Bismalva. Hierba cañamera. Malbaxuni. Malvavisco. Malvavisco común. Malvavisco verdadero. Marmait. Matilla cañamera.

Province distribution: Alacant. Balearic Islands. Barcelona. Castelló. Girona. Lleida. Tarragona. València.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Holoartica

Uses and properties: Edible or foodstuffs. Medicinal.

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Hemicryptophyte.

Habitats: Non-saline wetlands (intermittent watercourses, streams, artesian wells, ditches). Humid soils and torrents.

Characteristics: An erect plant (up to 150 cm.), greatly tufted, which gives it a very characteristic greyish tone. Leaves are heart-shaped and with a slightly lobed contour. The calycicle is formed by many segments (6-9), linear-lanceolate and fused at the base. Flowers are either pale pink or somewhat white.