MALLOW FAMILY. 



MALVACE^. 



Common Mallow. Malva rotundifolia. 



Cheeses. 



Found from August till frost-time around dwellings and along 

 waysides. 



The lopping, large, round stalk, with many leaves, lies low upon 

 the ground ; it is slightly hairy, and green. 



The large, rounding leaf is heart-shaped at the base, and is slightly 

 lobed ; the mai'gin is notched with small round scallops, the ribs 

 radiate from the base, and the surface is soft to the touch. The leaves, 

 on their long, and short, rough stems (from 1 to 12 inches in length), 

 are placed alternately. The color is a dark green. 



The flower has a spreading bell-shaped corolla cut into 5 long 

 points, with notched tips ; it is in color a translucent pinky-white, 

 faintly lined with pink. The calyx is 5-parted, and green ; Just beneath 

 the calyx occur 3 line-like bracts. The flowers, on their slender foot- 

 stems, grow from the angles of the leaves all along the stems, 3 or 4 

 grouped together. 



The seed of this Mallow endears the plant to children by whom it 

 is eaten under the name of " Cheeses " ; it is pretty to look at, being 

 round, and light green, and enfolded by the 5 green tips of its calyx-cup. 



" Sitting down when school was o'er 

 Upon the threshold of the door, 

 Picking from mallows, sport to please, 

 The crumpled seed we call'd the cheese." 



— Clare. 



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