It is the name of a genus of plants, belonging to the family Malvaceae. There are about 18 species and the most representative is the Marshmallow, mauve. matilla or altea . The word is of Greek origin and means doctor, medicine, cure. It is fodder or food for many insects. In Greek mythology she was a princess of Aetolia, daughter of the Aetolian king Testius and Euritemiste. Sister of Hipermestra and Leda. He married Aeneus and had several children. She drowned. It is also the name of an asteroid.