MALVA, the MALLOW; a genus of the polyandria order, belonging to the monadelphia class of plants. There are 24 species; consisting of herbaceous perennials, biennials, and annuals, for medical and ornamental uses; rising with erect stalks from about half a yard to 10 or 12 feet high, garnished with large, roundish, lobated leaves, and quinquepetalous flowers. They are all easily and plentifully raised from seed. The leaves of the common mallow are reckoned the first of the four emollient herbs: they were formerly in some esteem, as food, for loosening the belly; at present, decoctions of them are sometimes employed in dysenteries, heat, and sharpness of urine; and, in general, for obtunding acrimonious humours: their principal use is in emollient glysters, cataplasms, and fomentations. The leaves enter the officinal decoction for glysters, and a conserve is prepared from the flowers.