Althaea officinalis SEEDS

Althaea officinalis seeds grow into the marsh mallow a tall, perennial herb or subshrub native to the temperate biome of Europe, western Asia and north-western Africa, growing in damp meadows, salt-marshes and coastal habitats. Described by Linnaeus. The generic name Althaea derives from Greek althaino (to cure or heal), reflecting its long history in European medicine. The epithet officinalis = ‘of the apothecary’s shop’, denoting its official medicinal status. Stems to 0.62 m, covered in soft, velvety hairs; large, lobed, greyish-green leaves; pale pink to white flowers (34 cm) with a prominent column of stamens, produced from summer to early autumn. The roots contain up to 35% mucilage the original source of the confection ‘marshmallow’. Family Malvaceae.

Full sun to partial shade; moist to wet soils, including clay and saline conditions; hardy temperate perennial. Excellent for damp or seasonally waterlogged garden positions.

• ‘Officinalis’ = of the apothecary’s shop; Linnaeus; roots contain up to 35% mucilage original source of marshmallow confection
• Tall velvety perennial to 2 m; pale pink-white flowers; damp meadows, salt-marshes; medicine and food
• Europe, W. Asia, NW. Africa temperate biome; damp coastal and marshy habitats
• Genus Althaea: ~12 species; Old World; Family Malvaceae; Order Malvales
• Full sun/partial shade; moist to wet soils; tolerates clay and saline; hardy temperate perennial; Malvaceae

Althaea officinalis the marsh mallow is the original source of one of the world’s most widely enjoyed confections: the roots’ extraordinary mucilage content gave rise to the marshmallow sweet, while the plant’s medicinal use in soothing respiratory and digestive complaints dates back to ancient Egypt and has continued unbroken through European traditional medicine to the present day.

IMPORTANT: Pictures show the adult plant, which is not for sale. The offer is only for seeds.