It was unbeknownst to me before this Time that there is a marshmallow plant from which the modern derivative took from. A plant by the scientific name of Althaea officinalis, that even more amusingly enough, was utilized for its medicinal properties.
Ancient Egyptians would use the mucilaginous extracts from the root as a remedy for sore throats, though the plant had long been used in the making of confections.
Would that I could obtain a specimen myself to grow. It is noted in text that A. officinalis was used as a staple food in Times of hardship when crops failed, and was quite palatable when the roots were fried with onions and butter.
Though the whole plant is edible, there is a different use for various parts of the plant. The pith seems to be used in making confections, the roots as its own dish, flower and young leaves a salad, and the whole plant itself in herbal medicine.
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