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3. ALTHÆA Linn. Marsh-Mallow

Cal. with a 6–9-leaved involucre. Carpels numerous, circularly arranged, 1-seeded. — Name: αλθω, to cure; from its healing properties.

1. A. officinalis L. (Common M.); leaves soft and downy on both side cordate or ovate toothed, entire or 3-lobed, peduncles axillary many-flowered much shorter than the leaves. E. B. t. 147.

Marshes, mostly near the sea. Abundant in Hampshire. Rare and scarcely indigenous to Scotland, as the Solway Frith, Arran and Campsie. Perennial. 8, 9. — Stem 2–3 ft. high, remarkable for the dense, exquisitely soft, and starry pubescence of the leaves and stems. Flowers 3–4 together, on axillary stalks, large, pale rose-colour. — Affords an abundant mucilage, and decoction of it is in very general use for the cure of coughs. In France it is made into lozenges, called Pâtes de Guimauve.

2. A. * hirsuta L. (hispid M.); leaves cordate rough with hairs, lower ones obtusely upper palmately and acutely lobed crenate, stem hispid, peduncles single-flowered longer than the leaves. E. B. S. t. 2674.

Fields and waste places, rare. Between Cobham and Cuxton, Kent. Annual. 6, 7. — Remarkable for its very hispid stems and calyces.

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