The ancestral roots of the mallow were laid in water to produce a jelly like substance, & once 19th century confectioners added sweeteners the first " Marshmallows" were produced. Nowadays, gelatine is used instead. Rosettes of shiny mallow like foliage produce upright stiff branched stems with different 'finger like' foliage in early summer. Along each branch appear many bowl shaped five petalled pink flowers, with frayed edges. Good for cutting. Prefers moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Hardy perennial.