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yellowflower Indian mallow

Scientific Name: Abutilon reventum

Family: Malvaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Yellowflower Indian Mallow (Abutilon reventum)

Considerations for Pets

  • Several species of Abutilon, including Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti), have velvety leaves.

Considerations for Children

  • Several species of Abutilon, including Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti), have velvety leaves.

Quirky Facts

  • Abutilon palmeri (Palmer's Indian Mallow) was reportedly used as an important ceremonial plant by Native Americans.
  • Some varieties of Abutilon have leaves that are speckled with yellow.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Abutilon reventum S. Watson
  • Common Names: Yellowflower Indian Mallow, Yellow-flower Indian-mallow, Indian Mallow
  • Synonyms/Related Species:
    • Abutilon hypoleucum A. Gray - whiteleaf Indian mallow
    • Abutilon incanum (Link) Sweet - hoary abutilon, pelotazo
    • Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet - Indian abutilon, Indian lantern-flower, monkeybush
    • Abutilon palmeri - Palmer's Indian Mallow
    • Abutilon theophrasti - Velvetleaf
    • Abutilon mollicomum - Sonoran Indian Mallow
    • Abutilon striatum - Red Vein Indian Mallow
    • Abutilon pitcairnense
    • Abutilon pedunculare - Large Flowered Indian Mallow
    • Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum - Texas Indian Mallow
    • Sida acuta - Listed in text as INDIAN MALLOW

Distribution and Habitat

  • Abutilon reventum is found in hot desert environments.
  • Other Abutilon species are native to tropical Asia, southeastern Europe, the Southwestern United States, northern Mexico, Hawaii, South America (Brazil, Argentina), and southern United States.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Abutilon reventum is described as a soft, fuzzy-leaved perennial.
  • Flowers are solitary, located in the angles between leaves and stems.
  • Flowers are typically from 3/8 to 1 inch wide, with orange-yellow petals and 5 to 6 simple pistils when young.
  • Other Abutilon species range from herbs to erect, woody plants with velvety or shrubby growth habits, sometimes grayish-green in color.
  • Flowers of other species can be bright yellow, orange-yellow, yellow to red, or yellow with maroon, and bell-shaped.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Abutilon striatum (Red Vein Indian Mallow) is highly attractive to hummingbirds.

Additional Information

  • Abutilon reventum blooms almost continuously throughout the year.
  • Reportedly has medicinal uses.