Althaea officinalis Althaea officinalis Althaea officinalis, or marsh-mallow, is a perennial species indigenous to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, which is used in herbalism and as an ornamental plant. A confection made from the root since ancient Egyptian time evolved into today's marshmallow treat. The stems, which die down in the autumn, are erect , but can reach 6′6″ (2m), simple, or putting out only a few lateral branches. The leaves, shortly petioled, are roundish, ovate-cordate, long, and about 1 inch broad, entire or three to five lobed, irregularly toothed at the margin, and thick. They are soft and velvety on
Sugar Plant Sugar Plant Sugar Plant is a Japanese dream pop band. Unlike most rock music, their music is generally very slow, mellow and melodic, in the vein of similar American "slowcore" groups such as Galaxie 500, Bedhead, or Low. The band consists of vocalist Chinatsu Shoyama and guitarist Shin'ichi Ogawa; the band also usually includes a keyboardist and drummer, these roles being filled by a changing roster of musicians. Chinatsu and Shin'ichi formed the band in 1993, while they were studying at university. The band's name comes from a sugar factory in Kawasaki, Kanagawa. Sugar Plant has released recordings on the