Althea officinalis

Tall perennial herb to 1.5 metres. Medicinal herb with soft, slightly velvety leaves and pale - pink flowers. Most parts of the plants are edible - leaves, flowers, seed pods and roots. Attracts beneficial insects such as bees to the garden. Marshmallow confectionary was originally made from the roots of this herb.

Coarse plant with soft downy leaves and pale pink flowers. Used medicinally to soothe coughs, sore throats, and relieve inflamed gums. Also used externally to soothe boils, abrasions, inflammation of the skin and insect bites. The roots were once used to make the original "marshmallow.