Hollyhock: The Lesser Known Medicinal Plant

Abstract

There are many plants which add to the beauty of the environment. Some of
them are of high commercial value while some of them go unnoticed. Although,
these can also be used for large scale beautification. Hollyhock is one such
garden plant discussed for its various aspects.

Introduction

Hollyhocks are the popular spring ornamentals grown throughout India. This
plant is known to be the native of China (7) ad enjoyed the privileged of being
official seal of Tokugama Shogunate in Japan. The plant name is derived from the
word holy and hock meaning mallow because it as brought to England by the
crusaders. Taxonomically, the plant is placed in family malvaceae under the
genus Alcea. The word is derived from altheo which means to cure or from the
greek word alkaia meaning mallow. They were assumed to be orchids because of
their widespread in America. It was also used in occult sciences for fertility and
ambition (6) Main commercially

Main commercially utilized species are Alcea biennis, A. filifolia, A. rosea, A. rugosa, A. striata, etc.

Description of the plant:

The plant is a binnenial which grows from two to nine feet tall (1). The leaves are orbicular and
arrangement is alternate. The flowers exhibit variety of colours ranging from pink, white, red, yellow,
lavender etc. They have deep tap roots.(3)

Seeds and planting habits:

Hollyhock completre their life cycle in two seasons. When young plants are planted in july, they
survives the winters and bloom in the next season. If the hollyhock are to be planted as annuals, they
must be grown in February.

Viability:

Since the flowers are beautifully coloured, they attract the insect’s population which cause damage the
them (4). These plants are also susceptible to hollyhock rust caused by Puccinia malvacearum. The
major pest infecting the crop is Japanese beetle, painted lady, potato leaf hopper etc.

Medicinal Uses:

The plant finds its medicinal usage in way back 18th century. It was mainly prescribed for gargling in
enlarged tonsils, inflated gums, loose teeth and oral sores (6). The decoction was consumed for loose
motions, urinary tract problems and anthelminth. The leaves and roots were boiled and given to ease
the contraction of uterus during delievery and also helpful in nursing mothers. Native American used
the poultice of the leaves to heal the wounds.

1
 In the present era, this plant has no particular medicinal significance. They are mainly
cultivated for their ornamental value as cottage garden plant. (5)

Discussion:

Hollyhock have been used to elaborate the beauty of a place since time unknown. The reference of
this plant is found in many ancient literature. There are various ways it had been used for its
medicinal properties and hence its importance should be realized. Although it is not an endangered
plant, yet the efforts should be made to conserve it so that it does not fall in the vulnerable category.

Figure (1)showing different types of hollyhock flowers.

References

1. Abraham, D.and K.(1999). The green thumb garden Hndbook. Englewood Cliffs,
NJ:Prentice Hall.

2. Brickell, C., McDonald, E. & Cole T. (1993). The American Horticultural Society
Encylopedia of Gardening. New York, NY: Dorling Kindersley Publishing Inc.

3. Bubel N. The New Seed-Starters Handbook (1998). Emmaus PA: Rodale Press.

4. DiSabato-Aust T. (1998). The Well-Tended Perennial Garden. Portland OR: Timber

Press.

5. Lloyd, C. (1990). The Cottage Garden.

6. Rose, J. (1972). Herbs & Things. Jeanne Rose,s Herbal. New York, NY: Grosset &
Dunlap

7. Still, S. (1994) Manual of Herbaceous Ornamental Plants. Champaign, III: Stipes

Publishing.

8. Toogood A. (1999). Plant Propagation. New York, NY: DK Publishing Inc.

9. Weiss, G & Weiss, S. (1985). Growing and using healing herba. Emmaus PA: Rodale
Press.