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Sonoran Indian mallow
Scientific Name: Abutilon mollicomum
Family: Malvaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Shrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Abutilon Species: A Diverse Group of Indian Mallows
The genus Abutilon encompasses a variety of plants, many of which are known as Indian mallows. Several species are found in the Sonoran Desert and adjacent regions.
Considerations for Pets
- Several species have been reported in the Sonoran Desert Tortoise diet.
Scientific Classification and Nomenclature
- Genus: Abutilon, a New Latin word from the Arabic 'ab?-??l?n'.
- Family: Malvaceae (mallow family).
- Species Examples:
- Abutilon mollicomum (Willd.) Sweet - Sonoran Indian Mallow
- Abutilon palmeri A. Gray - Palmer's Indian Mallow
- Abutilon incanum (Link) Sweet - Indian Mallow, Pelotazo
- Abutilon reventum - Yellowflower Indian Mallow, Yellow-flower
- Abutilon auritum (Wall. ex Link) Sweet – Asian Indian Mallow
- Abutilon berlandieri A. Gray ex S. Watson - Berlandier's Indian Mallow
- Abutilon fruticosum Guill. - Sweet Sonoran Indian Mallow
- Abutilon parvulum A. Gray
- Abutilon malacum - Yellow Indian Mallow
- Abutilon abutiloides – Shrubby Indian Mallow
- Abutilon sonorae A. Gray
- Abutilon wrightii - Wright's Indian Mallow
- Abutilon indicum - Monkeybush Abutilon
- Abutilon theophrasti - Velvetleaf (an Asian species)
- Synonyms and Alternate Names:
- Pelotazo (for Abutilon incanum)
- pintapan cimarrón (Spanish name for some species)
- Rank: species
Common Names
- Indian Mallow (general term for many species)
- Sonoran Indian Mallow (Abutilon mollicomum)
- Palmer's Indian Mallow (Abutilon palmeri)
- Yellow Indian Mallow (Abutilon malacum)
- Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)
- Chinese Bell Flower
- Chinese Lantern
- Flowering Maple
- Superstition Mallow (Abutilon palmeri)
- Wright's Indian Mallow (Abutilon wrightii)
- Monkeybush Abutilon (Abutilon indicum)
- Berlandier's Indian Mallow (Abutilon berlandieri)
Distribution and Habitat
- Primarily found in the Sonoran Desert regions of Arizona, Southern California, and northwestern Mexico (Baja California, Sonora).
- Some species, like Abutilon palmeri, are restricted to hillsides in the Sonoran Desert and Peninsular Ranges.
- Ranges in elevation from 1000 to 3000 feet.
- Specific locations mentioned include:
- San Jacinto Mountain area
- Eastern slopes of the Peninsular Range
- Western Sonora Desert
- Grosvenor Hills, Salero Ranch, Santa Cruz Co., Arizona
- South-central Arizona and central Sonora
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Generally, erect subshrubs, shrubs, forbs, or herbs.
- Some species can grow quite large, up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide with ample water.
- Abutilon mollicomum exhibits apricot-colored, cup-shaped blooms on and off during warmth.
- Ornamental fruit: Brown capsule.
- Leaves: hairy, mid-green.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The showy blossoms are full of nectar, attracting butterflies (over 250 species in the Sonoran Desert).
- Some species are included in the Sonoran Desert Tortoise diet.
Resources and Further Information
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Dave's Garden
- Encyclopedia of Life
- USDA Plants Database
- Wikipedia