Alcea rosea L.
Vernacular name: Hollyhock, Rose mallow, Gulzari (Hindi: गुलज़ारी)
Species Name: Alcea rosea L.
Family: Malvaceae
Habit: Tall biennial or short-lived perennial herb
Stem: Erect, stout, 1.5-3 m tall, simple or branched, stellate-hairy.
Leaf: Alternate, orbicular-cordate, 8-20 cm wide, palmately 5-7 lobed, crenate margins, long petiole.
Flowering: June–September
Flowers: Elongated terminal racemes 30-100 cm long (racemose inflorescence – spike-like raceme with pedicellate flowers); showy 5-petaled flowers 5-10 cm diameter, pink/red/white/yellow.
Fruit: Schizocarp discoid 2-3 cm diameter, 15-25 segments.
Uses:
- The seeds are demulcent.
- Plant has anti-inflammatory properties.
- The flowers are cooling and diuretic and considered useful in rheumatism.
- Plant is used in medicinal teas to sooth sore throats, bronchitis and coughs.
- Plant is used to treat mild ulcers and reduce bloating.
- Plant is used to treat small wounds and chapped skin.
- Flowers can be used in salads or as thickening agent in cooking.
- Plant is used ornamentally in gardens.
