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yellow Indian mallow
Scientific Name: Abutilon malacum
Family: Malvaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Indian Mallow (Abutilon species)
The name "Indian Mallow" is applied to several species within the genus Abutilon. This diverse group includes plants known for their attractive flowers and, in some cases, historical uses.
Considerations for Pets
- Some varieties, like Abutilon pictum, have maple-like leaves.
- The text mentions "velvety leaves" on some species, which might be tempting for animals to chew.
Considerations for Children
- Some varieties, like Abutilon pictum, have maple-like leaves.
- The text mentions "velvety leaves" on some species, which might be tempting for children to touch.
Common Names
- Indian Mallow
- Velvetleaf (specifically for Abutilon theophrasti)
- Yellow Indian Mallow (often referring to Abutilon malacum or Abutilon reventum)
- Red Vein Indian Mallow (Abutilon striatum)
- Yellowflower Indian Mallow, Yellow-flower (Abutilon reventum)
- Parl Maple (some species)
- Country Mallow
- Indian Abutilon
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Abutilon
- Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family)
- Species examples:
- Abutilon malacum S. Watson (Yellow Indian Mallow)
- Abutilon abutiloides (Shrubby Indian Mallow)
- Abutilon trisulcatum (Anglestem Indian Mallow)
- Abutilon theophrasti
- Abutilon reventum (Yellowflower Indian Mallow)
- Abutilon palmeri (Palmer's Indian Mallow)
- Abutilon striatum (Red Vein Indian Mallow)
- Abutilon pictum (Painted Indian Mallow)
- Abutilon fruticosum
- Abutilon denticulatum
- Abutilon berlandieri A. Gray ex S. Watson (Berlandier's Indian Mallow)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the low desert of southern California.
- Found on rocky slopes and mountains.
- Palmer's Indian Mallow is native to the southwestern U.S.
- Abutilon theophrasti is naturalized in southeastern Europe and the United States.
Morphology and Growth Habits
- Height varies from under 1 ft (30 cm) to over 6 ft (1.8 m).
- Some species are described as soft, fuzzy-leaved perennials.
- Flowers are typically yellow or orange, but can also be red or pinkish.
- Flowers of Abutilon pictum are yellow to orange and hang like lanterns.
- Leaves are often velvety and heart-shaped.
- Abutilon pictum has maple-like leaves, sometimes variegated with yellow.
Ecological Role
- Abutilon theophrasti is described as a weedy plant.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Abutilon striatum (Red Vein Indian Mallow) is highly attractive to hummingbirds.
Quirky Facts
- Abutilon theophrasti has historically been cultivated in China for its jutelike fiber.
- Some varieties have flowers that open in the evening.
Traditional Uses
- Indian Mallow has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems.
Further Information
- USDA, NRCS. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
- Discover Life
- CalPhotos Photo Database
- UA Herbarium ASU Vascular Plant Herbarium
- Dave's Garden
- NCBI Taxonomy