Μαλάχη η νυχώδης
Etymology of Malva unguiculata: 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. "Unguiculata" derives from Latin and means "fingernail or toenail", referring to the petals that have a claw-shaped base.
There are at least nine Malva species in the wild Cypriot habitat.
Malva unguiculata is indeed a rare plant to encounter. It does not exist in Central, Central-Western and Central-Eastern Cyprus. It appears at a low to average altitude, between 150-750 metres. The one and only solitary plant I have encountered so far was found at the Kouris dam, Limassol district. Malva unguiculata's flowering period is only May and June.
