(Malva neglecta Wallr. Dwarf Mallow, M. sylvestris L. = Common Mallow or Blue Mallow, Malvaceae).
Description: Dwarf mallow is an annual decumbent plant 10-15cm
(4 -bin) high with hairy, branched stems.
Leaves long-stalked, reniform or roundish, 5-7-lobed, hairy.
Flowers pink-red, about 15mm (0.6in) diameter.
Common mallow is usually perennial, 30-150cm (1-5ft) high with stout, branched,
hairy stems.
Leaves hairy, reniform or roundish, more deeply lobed than those of dwarf
mallow.
Flowers large, up to 4cm (1 •5 in), pink-red.
In both species the fruit is flattened, cheese-shaped, with numerous segments.
Flowering: May-September.
Odour: feebly aromatic.
Taste: mucilaginous.
Part Used: Dried leaves; more rarely the flowers of common mallow.
Habitat and Collection: Both species are found in wasteplaces,
roadsides, in fields, etc. and occur throughout Britain.
Collected June-August and rapidly dried in the shade.
Constituents and Action: Both species contain mucilage,
volatile oil and a little tannin.
They are anti-inflammatory and mildly purgative.
Usage: Almost always as a decoction (1 litre (1-75 pt) of
cold water on a handful of drug, boil for 2-3 minutes) in compresses for abscesses,
boils, furuncles, etc.
Rarely, internally, as a very mild purgative.
