Yellow leafbract (mòv)
Malachra alceifolia · Malvaceae
A crossing plant — kept in both Haitian & Caribbean and Adriatic & Balkan traditions. Two shores, one root.
Yellow leafbract
mòv
Mauve
Malachra alceifolia
mauveguimauve
Malvaceae
Traditionally used
Mauve — a tropical mallow whose leaves and flowers hold a soothing mucilage, the Caribbean stand-in for European marshmallow. An infusion, or a poultice of the wilted leaf, softens a dry cough, an inflamed throat, and irritated skin. Gentle and well tolerated.
In three languages
Kreyòl — Mòv se yon mòv twopikal, fèy ak flè li gen yon mikilaj dous, ekivalan karayibeyen gimòv ewopeyen an. Yon enfizyon, oswa katapla ak fèy fennen, soulaje tous sèk, gòj anflame, oswa bouton karas sou po a. Rekonèt kòm plant emolyan nan tout Ayiti ak basen karayib la.
Français — Mauve — mauve tropicale dont feuilles et fleurs renferment un mucilage apaisant, l'équivalent caribéen de la guimauve européenne. En infusion, ou en cataplasme de feuille flétrie, elle adoucit toux sèche, gorge enflammée et peau irritée. Douce et bien tolérée.
The crossing
The mucilage story survives the crossing intact.
Safety
Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.
Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.
Sources & lineage
TRAMIL Caribbean pharmacopoeia; mucilage pharmacology
Kept alongside