The Place.
The first groweth wilde in Spaine. The second in our owne Countrey. The third is thought to growe in Italy and Venice; but Lobel denieth it, saying, that it is there onely in Gardens, and is more plentifull in these parts then with them. The fourth Clusius saith he found in many places of Germany. The fifth is supposed to be first brought out of the West Indies, but an Arabicke name being giuen it, maketh me somewhat doubtfull how to beleeue it. The sixth groweth in Egypt, where it is of great vse, as Prosper Alpinus hath let downe in his Booke of Egyptian plants. The seuenth groweth in some parts both of Spaine and France. The last is not found but in Gardens euery where.
The Time.
The first, second, third, fourth, and last, doe flower from Iune vntill the end of Iuly and August. The rest flower very late, many times not vntill September or October.
The Names.
The first and second haue their names sufficiently expressed in their titles. The third is diuersly called, as Malua horaria, Alcea versicaria, Alcea Veneta, Alcea Peregrina, and of Matthiolus, Hypecoum. The most vsuall English name is Venice Mallow. The fourth is called Alcea fruticosa pentaphyllea, and Cannabinifolio, or Pentaphyllifolio: In English, Cinquefoile Mallow. The fifth hath been sent vnder the name of Sabdarifa, and Sabdariffa, and (as I said) is thought to be brought from America, and therefore it beareth the name of that Country. The sixth is called in Egypt, Bamia, or Bammia, and by that name sent with the addition del Cayro vnto it: In English, Egyptian Mallow, or Mallow of Egypt. The seuenth is called Althæa frutex, and of some Althæa arborea: In English, Shrubbe Mallow, because his stemme is wooddie, and abideth as shrubbes and trees doe. The eight and last is called Malua hortensis, Malua Rosea, and of some Rosa vltra marina: In English, of some Hockes, and vsually Hollihockes.
The Vertues.
All sorts of Mallowes, by reason of their viscous or slimie quality, doe helpe to make the body soluble, being vsed inwardly, and thereby helpe also to ease the paines of the stone and grauell, causing them to be the more easily voided: being outwardly applyed, they mollifie hard tumours, and helpe to ease paines in diuers parts of the body; yet those that are of most vse, are most common. The rest are but taken vpon credit.