Lavatera arborea 'Tree Mallow'

[Ex. Cornwall, England]

Malvaceae: imposing woody biennial to 3m tall, and covered in starry hairs. Favours rocky ground near the coast, often near seabird colonies. The flowers are around 5cm across, dark-veined pinkish-purple petals, in terminal clusters, flowering from June-September. Locally common on Western coasts of Britain South and Western Ireland. Native to Coastal regions of Europe, including Britain, Mediterranean and North Africa.

USES:

The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, they have a mild flavour, but the leaves are dry and hairy and not that agreeable in quantity on their own. They can be used as part of a chopped mixed salad.

A poultice made from the leaves is used to treat sprains.

The flowers are visited by bees as they offer both nectar and pollen.

GROWING INFORMATION:

An easily grown plant, succeeding in any ordinary garden soil in sun or partial shade. Prefers a light well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun. Sow seeds in late summer. The seed should germinate within 4 weeks.

HARVESTED: 2019

APPROX. 50+ SEEDS