&sq=&lang=&file=File:Question_book-new.svg){kind=small} | This article needs additional citations for verification. (July 2019) |
| Althaea | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Althaea_officinalis.jpg)
| |
| Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Subfamily: | Malvoideae |
| Tribe: | Malveae |
| Genus: | Althaea L.[1] |
| Species | |
|
See text | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Althaea is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia. It includes Althaea officinalis, also known as the marshmallow plant, whence the fluffy confection got its name. They are found on the banks of rivers and in salt marshes, preferring moist, sandy soils. The stems grow to 1–2 m tall, and flower in mid summer. The leaves are palmately lobed with 3–7 lobes. Althaea species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Bucculatrix quadrigemina. [citation needed]
- ^ a b "Althaea". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2020-10-04.