Marsh-mallow — Chambers's Encyclopaedia

Marsh-mallow (Althaea), a genus of plants of the natural order Malvaceæ. The species, which are not numerous, are annual and perennial plants, with showy flowers, natives of Europe and

Asia. Only one, the Common Marsh-mallow (A. officinalis), is an undoubted native of Britain, and is common only in the south, growing in meadows and marshes, especially near the sea. The whole plant is wholesome, abounding in fibre, mucilage, starch, and saccharine matter. It is in the roots chiefly that the mucilage abounds. The emollient and demulcent qualities of marsh-mallow are well known in medicine, and in seasons of scarcity the inhabitants of some eastern countries often have recourse to it as a principal article of food. Lozenges made from it (Pâtes de Guimauce) are in use. It is said to be palatable when boiled, and afterwards fried with onions and butter. The Hollyhock (q.v.) is commonly referred to this genus.

Botanical illustration of the Common Marsh-mallow (Althaea officinalis). The main drawing shows a flowering branch with large, serrated leaves and clusters of flowers. To the right, there are two smaller, detailed drawings: 'a' shows a single flower, and 'b' shows a fruit (achenium). — Common Marsh-mallow (*Althaea officinalis*):
a, a flower; b, fruit.