Abutilon fruticosum

Abutilon fruticosum is a widespread species of flowering plant in the mallow family known by the common names Texas Indian mallow, pelotazo, and sweet Indian mallow. It is native to Africa, southern and southwestern Asia (from Saudi Arabia to India), northern Mexico, and the south-central United States.[2][3][4][5][6][7]

Abutilon fruticosum

Apparently Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Abutilon
Species:
A. fruticosum
Binomial name
Abutilon fruticosum
Guill. & Perr. 1831
Synonyms[1]
List
  • Abutilon denticulatum (Fresen.) Webb
  • Abutilon dubium Mattei
  • Abutilon fruticosum var. chrysocarpum Blatt. & Hallb.
  • Abutilon fruticosum var. microphyllum (A.Rich.) Abedin
  • Abutilon fruticosum var. saidae Abedin
  • Abutilon microphyllum A.Rich.
  • Abutilon nuttallii Torr. & A.Gray
  • Abutilon texense Torr. & A.Gray
  • Sida amoena Wall.
  • Sida denticulata Fresen.
  • Sida gracilis R.Br.
  • Sida kotschyi Hochst. ex Mast.
  • Sida perrottetiana D. Dietr.

Abutilon fruticosum is a perennial herb growing up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) tall, but usually not exceeding 90 centimeters (3 feet). The alternately arranged leaves are up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) long. The blades are thick and coated in hairs, appearing gray. The yellow-orange flowers are up to about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) wide. Flowering occurs in June through October in Texas.[8]

Abutilon fruticosum grows in chaparral and woodlands and on prairies. It grows on cliffs, slopes, and limestone outcrops.[8]

Abutilon fruticosum is eaten by wild and domesticated ungulates. The seeds provide food for birds such as the bobwhite quail. The flowers attract birds and butterflies. It is host to larvae of a number of butterfly species.[8]

Abutilon fruticosum is drought-tolerant and can be used in xeriscaping.[8]

References
  1. The Plant List, Abutilon fruticosum Guill. & Perr.
  2. Abutilon fruticosum. NatureServe.
  3. "Prota4u Record Display, Abutilon fruticosum Guill. & Perr". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2015-08-22.
  4. Flora of Pakistan
  5. Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
  6. Fryxell, P. A. 1988. Malvaceae of Mexico. Systematic Botany Monographs 25: 1–522.
  7. African Flowering Plants Database - Base de Donnees des Plantes a Fleurs D'Afrique. 2008
  8. Abutilon fruticosum. United States Department of Agriculture NRCS Plant Guide.
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