Malva

Madeirans use this name both for the species of the genus Pelargonium grown in gardens and for the species of the genera Lavatera and Malva that grow wild or naturalised in the archipelago. Pelargonium inquinans is the commonest of the Geraniaceae introduced into gardens; Lavatera cretica, Malva silvestris and M. parviflora are the dominant Malvaceae in Madeira. All these Malvaceae are emollient and are used to treat inflammations. A decoction of their flowers or leaves is used in gargles, baths, eye lotions, etc. The inhabitants of Porto Santo make ropes from the fibres which they extract by crushing Lavatera arborea, a species cultivated and naturalised on that island.