Desert lantern, Lantern Bush
Abutilon leucopetalum
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. This plant occurs in Central and Northern Australia. It is often near the base of rocks in the hills. It needs well drained soil. It does best in a sunny position. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The thickened root is eaten after cooking.
Edible parts
Root
How it is grown
It can be grown from seed or cuttings. Seedling germination is encouraged by burning. Flowering occurs after rains.
Its other names
Local names
Desert Chinese Lantern