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Description |
General Information
Country mallow is an erect, many branched, usually perennial plant with stems up to about 2 metres tall that become rather woody, especially at the base, and persist for a number of years. Sometimes though, the stems are annual, with the plant dying back each year to a woody base.
The plant is sometimes gathered from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of fibre. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens.
Range
E. Asia - China, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia.
Habitat
Open areas and uncultivated land to elevations of 700 metres in Nepal[272
]. Disturbed sites at low elevations near the sea.
Cultivation Details
Requires a sunny position or part day shade in a fertile well-drained soil[200
].
The plant has escaped from cultivation and has become widespread as a weed in the tropics[305
].
Dead-heading plants to prevent seeding can enhance longevity[200
].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200
].
Edible Uses
The roasted seeds are eaten[272
].
Medicinal
The juice of the leaves is demulcent and diuretic[272
, 310
]. A decoction of the leaves is used to treat fever, colic, and for cleaning wounds and ulcers[310
].
A paste made of the leaves or seeds is applied to wounds, boils and ulcers[272
, 310
].
The seeds are laxative and are useful in cases of haemorrhoids and cough[272
, 459
].
An infusion of the root is used as a treatment for leprosy[272
, 459
]. It is taken internally as a cooling remedy for coughs and fevers[272
].
A decoction of the flowers is used to treat fever, colic, and for cleaning wounds and ulcers[310
].
Other Uses
A strong white fibre is obtained from the stem bark[46
, 272
]. Fibre from mature stems is suitable for making cordage, twine and rope, whilst that from younger stems can be woven into fabrics[46
, 272
]. The fibre takes dyes readily[46
]. The stems are easy to ret[46
]. |
