Palm-leaf-marshmallow (Althaea cannabina, Sp. Pl.: 686 (1753))

Family: Malvaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 686 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Althaea

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: C. & S. Europe to N. Pakistan

Description

The Palm-leaf-marshmallow is a fascinating and visually appealing plant known for its distinct characteristics and wide range of growth across various geographic regions. Officially termed Althaea cannabina in scientific nomenclature and first described in Carl Linnaeus’s “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this species is a notable member of the Malvaceae family.

This herbaceous perennial is cherished for its unique palm-like leaves that distinctly resemble those of the cannabis plant, contributing to its common name. Unlike its name suggests, the Palm-leaf-marshmallow does not bear any relation to marshmallows in the confectionery sense, but rather shares its familial roots with the Marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis), which was historically used to create the original marshmallow confections.

Geographically, Althaea cannabina demonstrates a considerable adaptability. It is indigenous to Central and Southern Europe, extending eastward to Northern Pakistan. This wide distribution is a testament to the plant’s resilience and capacity to thrive in diverse environmental conditions. Typically found in meadows, open woodlands, and even roadside verges, the Palm-leaf-marshmallow flourishes in well-drained soils under full sun exposure.

The blossoms of the Palm-leaf-marshmallow are particularly striking. They exhibit delicate, pink to purple petals which create an elegant floral display from mid-summer to early autumn. These flowers not only add aesthetic charm to natural landscapes and gardens but also play a vital role in supporting local ecosystems, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Cultivationally, Althaea cannabina is relatively low-maintenance. Gardeners value it for its drought tolerance once established, making it an ideal choice for water-conserving landscapes. Furthermore, its robust nature requires minimal pest and disease management, promising sustained hardiness and longevity in various plantings.

In summary, the Palm-leaf-marshmallow, Althaea cannabina, embodies a blend of beauty and botanical interest. Its historical background, coupled with its practical applications and ecological benefits, render it a notable species within the distantly linked Malvaceae family. Whether cultivated for its ornamental appeal or appreciated for its role in natural habitats, this plant remains a cherished component of Europe and Asia’s botanical heritage.

Common Names

Deu: hanf-eibisch, hanfblättriger eibisch
Eng: palm-leaf marshmallow, hemp-leaf-marshmallow, hemp-leaved marshmallow, palm-leaf-marshmallow, palmleaf marshmallow
Swe: hampmalva
En: Palm-leaf-marshmallow, Hemp-leaf-marshmallow, Palm-leaf marshmallow, Hemp-leaved marshmallow, Palmleaf marshmallow
Bg: Конопена ружа
Ca: Malví canemer, Altea cannabina
Nl: Hennepheemst
Fr: Guimauve faux-chanvre, Guimauve à feuilles de cannabis, Guimauve à feuilles de chanvre, Guimauve faux chanvre, Canebas, Guimauve de Narbonne
De: Hanfblättriger Eibisch, Hanf-Eibisch
It: Altea canapina, Malva canapina
Ru: Алтей коноплёвый
Sk: Ibiš konopovitý
Es: Matilda cañamera, Malvavisco cañamero, Matilla cañamera
Sv: Hampmalva

Synonyms

• Althaea cannabina subsp. narbonensis ((Jacq.) Baker f.)
• Althaea narbonensis (Jacq.)
• Althaea narbonnensis (Pourr. ex Cav.)
• Althaea cannabina var. narbonensis ((Pourr. ex Cav.) Parl.)
• Althaea kotschyi (Boiss.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• District of Columbia (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 10, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2018 by Bernard Sudan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2014 by Joan Curià (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 23, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2021 by Bénédicte OUDART (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2022 by Vassilikos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2014 by Joan Curià (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Jul 26, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 4, 2020 by harmassan chassagne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2021 by Bénédicte OUDART (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2022 by Vassilikos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 15, 2022 by Adrian Poloni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2022 by Fanny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 15, 2022 by Adrian Poloni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 15, 2022 by Adrian Poloni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 16, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Pierre BONNET (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3152519)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:558787-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Althaea cannabina L.)

Specifications

Growth