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Malva is a genus of Old World herbs belonging to the mallow family, Malvaceae. Plants in this genus typically have palmate leaves and flowers with five petals. The mallow family itself is large, encompassing about 243 genera and over 4,225 species worldwide, including herbs, shrubs, and trees. Many plants in the Malvaceae family are economically significant, providing natural fibers, food crops, and ornamental plants. Notable members include cotton, cacao, hibiscus, and okra.123

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