1. Marshmallow – tree mallow: Grows almost like a small tree, up to 7-8 feet high, with a thick tough stem and very soft downy leaves, which were boiled, and the resulting water, whilst still as warm as bearable, was used to bathe wounds, or help draw infection to the surface. After a good spell of bathing some of the leaves were used as poultice [Portesham, Dorset, January 2007].

Images: main, Whitstable, Kent, April 2015; inset, Widemouth Bay, Cornwall, March 2014.