Lavatera trimestris
L.
Annual mallow
GBIF
GBIF
GBIF
What to Eat
Edible parts: Leaves, Oil
Oil. Young leaves - cooked.
Where to Find It
Europe - Mediterranean.
TEMPERATE ASIA: Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey EUROPE: Greece, Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), Spain (incl. Baleares), France, Portugal AFRICA: Algeria (north), Morocco, Tunisia
How to Identify
Lavatera trimestris is a ANNUAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
How to Grow
An easily grown plant, succeeding in any ordinary garden soil. Prefers a light well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun. A soil that is too rich encourages foliar growth at the expense of flowering. Tolerates maritime exposure. Succeeds in dry soils. Plants are moderately fast-growing. A very ornamental plant. The cut flowers last a long time in water. A good bee plant.
Propagation: Seed - sow in situ in the spring. Germination should take place within a few weeks.
Other Uses
Oil. The seed contains up to 11.7% oil. It is greenish coloured with an iodine value of 120.9. The uses of this oil are not given, it is exceedingly unlikely to be poisonous and is therefore probably edible.
