Althaea is a small genus of herbaceous perennial plants in the family Malvaceae (order Malvales), native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. The genus comprises around nine accepted species, and is closely related to the hollyhocks of genus Alcea, from which several former Althaea species were transferred.
Plants in the genus typically grow to 1–2 metres tall on erect stems bearing palmately lobed leaves with three to seven lobes. Flowers appear in mid summer. The plants favour moist, sandy soils and are most commonly found on the banks of rivers and in salt marshes.
The best-known member is Althaea officinalis, the common marshmallow, whose root was historically processed into a soothing confection — the original source of the candy that today bears the plant's name. The genus has a long history of medicinal and culinary use: the flowers and young leaves are edible, and the mucilaginous roots and stems have been used to soothe the skin and throat since Egyptian antiquity.
Etymology
The genus name Althaea derives from the Greek althainein, meaning "to heal," a direct reference to the plant's long history of medicinal use. This healing tradition extends from ancient Egypt through classical antiquity — the Roman poet Horace counted mallows among his simple, wholesome diet.
Distribution
Althaea species are native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. They are characteristically found on riverbanks and in salt marshes, favouring moist, sandy soils.
Ecology
Althaea species grow in moist, sandy habitats such as riverbanks and salt marshes. The larvae of certain Lepidoptera, including Bucculatrix quadrigemina, feed on Althaea species.
Cultural Uses
The flowers and young leaves of Althaea are edible and have been added to salads or cooked by boiling and frying. The mucilaginous roots and stems have been used to soften skin and in cosmetic treatments. Since Egyptian antiquity, the root has been used — often sweetened with honey — as a remedy for sore throats; this use ultimately gave rise to the marshmallow confection. In the Middle East, the root's emulsifying properties are used in the cleaning of Persian carpets, where it is considered an effective method for preserving the vibrancy of vegetable dyes.
Taxonomy Notes
Althaea formerly encompassed a broader range of species, several of which are now treated in the separate genus Alcea (the hollyhocks). As of November 2025, Plants of the World Online recognises nine species in Althaea. GBIF places the genus in family Malvaceae, order Malvales.
