Malva is a word that refers to a genus of flowering plants commonly known as mallows. The word is spelled as /ˈmælvə/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the first syllable. The pronunciation consists of two syllables, with the first syllable pronounced as "mal" as in "malice", and the second syllable pronounced as "vuh" as in "voltage". The spelling of "malva" follows English orthography rules, where the "v" represents the voiced labiodental fricative /v/.
Malva is a noun that refers to a genus of plants within the family Malvaceae, commonly known as mallows. It consists of around 25-30 species of herbaceous perennial or annual plants with showy flowers. Malva is native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and can be found in various habitats such as fields, meadows, and roadsides.
The plants of the malva genus typically have round or heart-shaped leaves with soft, pubescent texture. They bear five-petaled flowers that range in color from white, pink, and lavender, to purple. These flowers are known for their aesthetically pleasing appearance and can be seen blooming during spring and summer.
In addition to their ornamental value, malva plants also possess medicinal properties. Various parts of the plant, such as the leaves and flowers, have been used in traditional medicine for their soothing and healing effects. They are believed to have mild anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, making them beneficial for relieving irritation and inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes.
Moreover, malva plants are sometimes cultivated for their edible qualities. The young leaves and shoots can be consumed raw or cooked and have a mild, slightly nutty flavor. They can be used in salads, soups, or as a cooked vegetable.
Overall, malva is a genus of plants with attractive flowers, medicinal uses, and culinary potential, making it a noteworthy and versatile addition to the botanical world.
A genus of plants of the mallow family. M. rotundifolia and M. sylvestris are sources of malvae folia (N.F.).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Mallows, a common plant found in every quarter of the world, and much used medicinally.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "malva" has its roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "malva", which refers to the plant itself, specifically the common mallow (Malva sylvestris). The Latin word "malva" is believed to have originated from the Greek word "malakhē". The etymology of "malakhē" is uncertain, but it is thought to have been influenced by the Greek word "malakos", meaning soft. This connection to softness likely refers to the texture of the plant's leaves. Over time, the word "malva" has been adopted into various languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, with no significant changes to its etymology.