Marshmallow Marshmallow A marshmallow is a sugar-based confectionery that in its modern form typically consists of sugar, water and gelatin whipped to a squishy consistency, molded into small cylindrical pieces, and coated with corn starch. Some marshmallow recipes call for eggs. This is the modern version of a medicinal confection made from "Althaea officinalis", the marshmallow plant. The word "marshmallow" comes from the mallow plant species ("Althaea officinalis"), an herb native to parts of Europe, North Africa, and Asia which grows in marshes and other damp areas. The plant's stem and leaves are fleshy and its white flower has five petals.
Verbena officinalis plant" or "wild hyssop". The common name "blue vervain" is also sometimes used, but also refers to "V. hastata". And of course, being the only member of its genus in much of its range, it is also simply known as "the vervain" locally. The common names of "V. officinalis" in many Central and Eastern European languages often associate it with iron, for example: Common vervain was scientifically described by Carl Linnaeus his 1753 "Species Plantarum". The scientific name references the Ancient Roman term "verbena", used for any sacrificial herb considered very powerful (as described e.g. by Pliny the Elder). "Officinalis",