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The common hollyhock is indigenous to southwestern China but was brought to Europe in the 15th century or even earlier. About 60 species of hollyhock are known to exist. It was originally named ‘holyoke’ by William Turner, a 16th century English-Anglican cleric and natural historian who studied medicine in Italy.

The hollyhock, which is a member of the mallow family, is grown mainly as an ornamental plant for its large flowers.

In Malta it can sometimes be found growing wild, often close to human habitation, and is thus considered a rare alien species.

It can be an annual, biennial or perennial plant and it usually grows vertically without much branching. The flowers blossom on its erect stalk, hence its Maltese name, bastun ta’ San Ġużepp, meaning St Joseph’s walking cane.

The hollyhock, which is a member of the mallow family, is grown mainly as an ornamental plant for its large flowers

The seeds germinate very easily but the seedlings attract snails and slugs. It would be easy to protect the seedlings from these pests if they were in a pot or in a garden, but few would manage to survive and grow in the wild. This probably explains why this species is not more widespread in the countryside.

Slugs and snails act as a sort of biological control and stop this alien species from taking over the countryside. Other alien species, such as the cape sorrel (ħaxixa ngliża) and the castor oil tree (siġra tar-riġnu), are not kept in check naturally and have taken over large parts of the Maltese countryside to the detriment of indigenous species.

The hollyhock has been used medicinally and is edible. I have never tasted it but it is known to have a good taste. The flowers are emollient, demulcent and have diuretic qualities – properties which are similar to those of other members of the mallow family.

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