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Malva

Malva is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Malva is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae, commonly called mallows. The genus includes herbaceous and woody species found mainly in temperate to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Europe. Some species are used as ornamentals, wild foods, and traditional medicinal plants.

Taxonomy

Malva is the type genus of the family Malvaceae. The number of accepted species varies by authority, reflecting ongoing taxonomic review.

Description

Species in Malva can be herbaceous or woody plants, and may be annual, biennial, or perennial. They are generally associated with the common name mallow.

Distribution and habitat

The genus is native to and widespread across parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe, with many species occurring in temperate and Mediterranean habitats. Some species have become naturalized outside their native range.

Uses and human associations

Several Malva species are used as ornamental plants, wild vegetables, or in traditional herbal medicine. Common mallow and related species have also been described as edible and as plants with mucilaginous, soothing properties.

Key facts

  • Malva is a genus in the mallow family, Malvaceae.
  • Species in the genus may be annual, biennial, perennial, herbaceous, or woody.
  • The genus is widespread across Africa, Asia, and Europe, especially in temperate and Mediterranean regions.
  • Some Malva species are grown as garden plants, while others are weedy or invasive in some areas.
  • Several species have edible leaves and shoots and have also been used in traditional medicine.
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Canadian context

Some Malva species are grown in Canadian gardens and some occur as introduced weeds or naturalized plants in parts of Canada, making the genus relevant to horticulture and local flora.

Frequently asked questions

What is Malva?
Malva is a genus of flowering plants in the family Malvaceae, commonly called mallows.
Where do Malva species grow?
They are widespread in temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Are all Malva species the same size or life cycle?
No. Species in the genus include herbaceous and woody plants that may be annual, biennial, or perennial.
How many species are in Malva?
The number varies by source, but recent references commonly place it at about 25–30 accepted species.
Are Malva plants used by people?
Yes. Some species are cultivated as ornamentals, some are eaten as wild vegetables, and some have a long history in traditional medicine.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malva
    Supports: General description of Malva as a genus in Malvaceae and its broad geographic distribution.
  2. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/plants-and-animals/plants/plants/mallow
    Supports: Mallow as the plant genus Malva and general characteristics of the genus.
  3. Native Plant Trust — https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/genus/malva/
    Supports: Malva as a genus in Malvaceae and notes on species occurring in New England and taxonomic revision.
  4. Monaco Nature Encyclopedia — https://www.monaconatureencyclopedia.com/malva-sylvestris/?lang=en
    Supports: Traditional uses, edible parts, and medicinal associations of Malva species, especially M. sylvestris.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malva_sylvestris
    Supports: Example species information for common mallow, including common names and uses.