Herb: Lavatera


Latin name: Lavatera plebeia


Synonyms: Lavatera plebeja, Lavatera plebia


Family: Malvaceae (Mallow Family)



Medicinal use of Lavatera:

The leaves are used as a poultice.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual/Perennial


Height:
150 cm
(5 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Clayey soils and areas subject to flooding.

Edible parts of Lavatera:

Young leaves - raw or cooked. Root - raw or cooked. A parsnip-like consistency.

Other uses of the herb:

A strong fibre obtained from the stems is used for making string, bags, paper etc.

Propagation of Lavatera:

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.

Cultivation of the herb:

Clayey soils and areas subject to flooding.

Known hazards of Lavatera plebeia:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.