Malva sylvestris L.
An erect to spreading, densely pubescent perennial or biennial, to over 1 m long. Leaves long-petioled, rounded or heart-shaped in outline, 3-7 lobed, and crenate-toothed. Flowers 4 to 6 cm across, in axillary clusters. Petals deeply notched, bright purplish-pink with dark purple veins. Epicalyx with 3 elliptical segments about 5 mm long, not fused at the base. Calyx with 5 triangular-ovate segments. Fruit with 8 to 12 generally hairless nutlets, which have reticulated, flattened backs; arranged in a ring.
Local: Very common and widespread throughout Gibratlar, though mainly the lower parts and urban waste groun
Global: Found throughout Europe, the Mediterranean region, north Africa and south-west Asia.
Flowers between (January) March, April, May and June (July).
Grows on waste ground, waysides and open ground.
Has been used as a vegetable in the past.