Hollyhock
Alcea · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Hollyhock, scientifically known as Alcea, is a tall, striking perennial celebrated for its vibrant, bell-shaped blooms. Beyond its ornamental beauty, this plant holds historical significance in traditional herbalism. Often used to support respiratory health and soothe skin, Alcea remains a versatile treasure in both botanical gardens and medicinal landscapes.
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Hollyhock · Hollyhocks
- Scientific synonyms
- Not available
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- hollyhock
- hollyhocks
Scientific Names
Accepted name
AlceaRegional and Traditional Names
German:
- Stockrosen
- Stockmalven
- Stockrosen
French:
- Rose trémière
- Rose trémière
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Malvales and the family Malvaceae. Ultimately, the medicinal plant is identified by its genus, Alcea.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Alcea |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across various regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence is noted within the borders of Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, it can be found growing in the landscapes of Austria. The species also occupies territories throughout the Czech-Slovakia region. Finally, its geographical range extends further into Germany and Hungary.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain |
| Middle Europe | Austria |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia |
| Middle Europe | Germany |
| Middle Europe | Hungary |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares |
| Southwestern Europe | France |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Activities
Alcea has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Antimicrobial
- Scientific reports
Antioxidant
- Scientific reports