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trailing abutilon
Scientific Name: Abutilon megapotamicum
Family: Malvaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Abutilon megapotamicum: Trailing Abutilon
Abutilon megapotamicum, commonly known as Trailing Abutilon, is a graceful evergreen shrub appreciated for its attractive, pendant-like flowers and delicate foliage. It is sometimes called Brazilian Bellflower, Chinese Lantern, Flowering Maple or Parl Maple.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is commonly found in gardens and homes.
- Some varieties have slender stems and arching forms.
Considerations for Children
- This plant is commonly found in gardens and homes.
- Some varieties have slender stems and arching forms.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Abutilon megapotamicum (A. Spreng.) A. St.-Hil. & Naudin
- Family: Malvaceae (Mallow Family)
- Genus: Abutilon
- Species: megapotamicum
- Synonyms: Abutilon vexillarium
Distribution and Habitat
Abutilon megapotamicum is native to Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, in South America. It thrives in sheltered positions with full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
Morphology and Growth
- It is an evergreen shrub that typically grows to 2 meters (6 feet) in height and width, though in the wild it can reach 8 feet tall but rarely exceeds 5 feet in temperate climates.
- The plant has slender, arching stems from which the flowers hang.
- Leaves are lobed and ovate, typically green. The 'Variegatum' variety has yellow splotches on its leaves.
- Flowers are tubular, usually red and yellow, and bloom from summer to autumn (March to August for some cultivars).
- It has a somewhat vining growth habit.
Ecological Role
This plant is suitable for conservatories and greenhouses. It can be grown outside in containers or as a border plant in sunny, sheltered positions.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The flowers attract hummingbirds.
- The variegated form can be caused by infection of the Abutilon mosaic virus.
Cultivation
- Trailing Abutilon can be grown in conservatories, greenhouses, or outside in containers or borders in sunny, sheltered positions.
- There are variegated forms in cultivation, such as 'Variegatum'.
Quirky Facts
- The flowers of Abutilon megapotamicum are edible and can be used as a vegetable, either cooked or raw.
Further Information
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
- Dave's Garden
- Wikimedia Commons
- Alamy Stock Photos
- Getty Images
- APHOTOFLORA - Photographic Stock Library