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Indian mallow
Scientific Name: Abutilon
Family: Malvaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Indian Mallow (Abutilon spp.)
The name "Indian Mallow" refers to several plants within the genus Abutilon, and sometimes to other related genera. Understanding which specific Abutilon is being discussed is crucial, as their characteristics and distributions can vary.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- Several species, including Abutilon theophrasti (Velvetleaf), have velvety leaves.
- Indian Mallow has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Abutilon. This is an 18th-century New Latin word derived from the Arabic term 'ab?-??l?n' (??? ?????).
- Family: Malvaceae (Mallow Family)
- Species examples (with common names):
- Abutilon indicum (Indian Abutilon, Indian Mallow)
- Abutilon palmeri (Palmer's Abutilon, Superstition Mallow, Palmer's Indian Mallow)
- Abutilon fruticosum (Indian Mallow)
- Abutilon striatum ('Red Vein Indian Mallow')
- Abutilon grandifolium (Hairy Indian Mallow)
- Abutilon mollicomum (Pintapn Cimarrn)
- Abutilon reventum (Yellowflower Indian Mallow, Yellow-flower)
- Abutilon pictum
- Abutilon theophrasti (Velvetleaf) also called Chinese Jute, Chinese Lantern, Button Weed, Chingma Abutilon, and Piemarker.
- Synonyms: The text mentions that Abutilon fruticosum (Indian mallow) has synonyms, and Abutilon theophrasti is often used to refer to Indian Mallow.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to tropic and subtropical regions.
- Abutilon palmeri is native to the Southwestern United States, particularly the low desert of southern California and the eastern slopes of the peninsular range. It grows in dry areas on cliffs and slopes.
- Indian Mallow is also native to the Indian subcontinent.
- Some species are cultivated as ornamentals.
Morphological Characteristics
- Indian Mallow can be a small shrub or a half-woody, erect shrub reaching up to 2 meters in height.
- Leaves are typically circular-ovate or heart-shaped, with coarsely crenate-serrate margins. They are often described as soft, velvety, and fuzzy.
- Abutilon palmeri is described as a tough, dense, rounded, fast-growing semi-evergreen shrub that reaches 4 to 5 feet tall and wide with silvery soft velvety foliage.
- Flowers can be solitary and bell-shaped, with colors ranging from yellow to mango, often with red veining (e.g., Abutilon striatum).
Quirky Facts
- One person mistook Indian Mallow for a Sphaeralcea species.
- Indian Mallow growing on rocky, dry slopes is considered "befuddling" because it is a soft plant.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Abutilon striatum ('Red Vein Indian Mallow') is highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.