Hollyhock

Description:

Tall ornamental annual/biennial/perennial, member of Malvaceae family, with large leaves and large flowers - flowers can be very different in color, anything from white to red or even darker.

Habitat:

Originating from China, the Hollyhock was imported as ornamental plant, and today is widespread in Mediterranean basin and elsewhere. Here, seen in a protected zone of Krka NP, where Krka river forms a series of waterfalls and lakes; and the river is surrounded by a magnificent dense broad-leaved forest. Its shores are rich in vegetation; both wetland and dryland.

Notes:

I just discovered that the flower buttons and young leaves are used as vegetable or salads (will have to try that...). Otherwise, hollyhock has a great use in traditional and herbal medicine, and is used to control inflammation and as a mouthwash - back in Croatia & Bosnia, the Hollyhock herbal teas were often used against the sore throat and mouth. Hollyhock is also believed to be laxative. Reportedly, hollyhock preparations can also be used protecting, moisturizing, and lubricating the skin.