Brazilian mallow
Abutilon megapotamicum
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.
There are about 100-160 Abutilon species.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It is damaged by drought and frost. It needs moist soil and a sunny position.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Brazil, Slovenia, South America, Uruguay
How it is used for food
The flowers are eaten as a vegetable. They can be eaten raw or cooked.
Edible parts
Flowers, vegetable
How it is grown
Plants are grown using cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Bencao-de-deus, Brazilian lantern flower, Brazilski slezinec, Sininho