Μολόχα, Μαλάχη η πολυανθής
Etymology of Malva multiflora: The Latin name of the genus "Malva" originates from the Ancient Greek "μαλάχη" [malache], which may derive from the verb "μαλάσσω" [malasso], meaning "to soften, soothe", referring to the leaves and an ointment made from the seeds which were supposed to be soothing to the skin. The epithet "multiflora", comes from New Latin and means "having many flowers", as its flowers appear in clusters. Similarly, in Cyprus, another four species have flowers in clusters (sylvestris, nicaeensis, parviflora and neglecta).
There are at least nine Malva species in the wild Cypriot habitat.
Malva multiflora is a common plant in Cyprus, encountered all around the island up to an altitude of 1075 metres. It primarily grows in uncultivated fields. Its flowering period is between December and May.
How to identify Malva multiflora:
Besides the flowers, the key to identifying the Malva species whose flowers look similar is primarily the epicalyx (a smaller calyx preceding the calyx). The best-observed epicalyx is the one seen after the flower falls and is replaced by the fruit. Malva multiflora has a similar flower to aegyptia, sylvestris, parviflora and nicaeensis. Multiflora has a deltoid epicalyx, sylvestris has a linear/filiform epicalyx, parviflora has a linear epicalyx, and nicaeensis has an obovate epicalyx. Aegyptia is very small with different leaves.
Additionally, multiflora has smaller pink flowers, with about 1.5 cm long petals, and it is the tallest of the Cyprus species, it may reach between 30 - 200 cm high, and in contrary to sylvestris, it has a slightly pubescent stem and petioles. Sylvestris has petals 15-20 mm long and an epicalyx with ovate or broadly lanceolate or oblanceolate segments. Malva aegyptia has similar flowers but they are solitary and the plant reaches up to 15 cm high. Malva parviflora is very similar to multiflora, its petals are 15-20 mm long, the plant is between 30-150 cm high, but it has a characteristic epicalyx with linear or filiform segments that multiflora doesn't have. Malva nicaeensis has similar flowers but its petals are only 7-10 mm long and the plant is between 7-40 cm high.
