Althaea

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A plant group within the Malvaceae family that features prominent blossoms and is historically used for medicinal purposes
2. This genus contains species known for their attractive flowers and their role in traditional herbal medicine
3. A flowering plant genus belonging to the mallow family recognized for its lovely blooms and its historical applications in herbal remedies

Etymology: Althaea is the botanical name for a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae, and its best-known member is the marsh mallow, "Althaea officinalis". The genus name comes from the Greek "althaia", the word the ancient Greeks used for the marsh mallow and related plants, and it is closely tied to the verb "althainein", "to heal" or "to cure", which explains why the plant was prized in traditional medicine. Its roots were used to soothe sore throats and irritated membranes, and that healing reputation is built right into the name. The word was taken into scientific Latin as a genus name, so it was coined as a botanical label rather than arriving through everyday speech. Naturalists sorting the mallow family gave the name to the group, and it kept its Greek shape. Because it is a formal genus name, it is written with a capital letter and italicised when it appears in running text.