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Virtual Exhibit - Heritage Project
Object ID: 2013.090.025
Title: Malra (Malva)
Habitat: North America
Description: Malva (titled Malra on the orignial card by Elizabeth Windsong) is native to Asia, Europe and Africa. It is now found throughout North America. The plant is green with purplish flowers that reach for the sun. Its outer petals have a lighter shade of purple with the inside a darker shade. This plant is called malva but to be more precise its scientific name is Malva sylvestris. It has medicinal properites and can be eaten. Malva leaves can treat skin disorders, are high in Vitamin C, and can be used as a tea. The petals have been used in soaps and hair products. According to the research of Elizabeth Windsong, the plant was used by the Kumeyaay to soothe and heal sore throats and interal organs, it is high in Vitamin A, can be made into a tea, and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Dimensions: H—12.7 W—20.32 cm
Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
Phylum: Anthophyta (Flowering Plants)
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Malva
Species: syvestris
Collector: Windsong, Elizabeth
Identified by: Windsong, Elizabeth
Preparator: Richardson, Nataylia
