Malva parviflora aka Egyptian Mallow

Malva parviflora, also known as cheeseweed, cheeseweed mallow, Egyptian mallow, least mallow, little mallow, mallow, marshmallow, small-flowered mallow, small-flowered marshmallow and smallflower mallow, is an annual or perennial herb with a decumbent or erect habit. It is native to Northern Africa, Europe and Asia but is widely naturalised elsewhere. This exotic weed is most commonly found in waste places, in sheep yards, around farm buildings, closed yards, watercourses and roadsides, primarily in southern Australia. The plant grows up to 50 cm in height and has broad leaves with 5 to 7 lobes that are 8 to 10 cm in diameter. The leaves are palmately veined and have a cordate base, crenate margins and are sparsely pubescent. The stems are covered with rather stiff star-like (stellate) hairs and can be erect or ascending. The small white or pink flowers have 4 to 6 mm long petals that are twisted in the bud. The stamens are numerous with filaments fused in a column surrounding the branched style. The fruit is a schizocarp that separates into many 1-seeded mericarp units or segments. Malva parviflora leaf extracts have been found to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. As a rare houseplant, cheeseweed mallow requires regular watering and well-draining soil. It thrives in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. A gentle, organic fertilizer can be used throughout the peak growing season.