Texas Indian mallow
Abutilon fruticosum

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 subtropical plant. It grows in well-drained soils that can be rocky or sandy. It is often over limestone material. It grows between 275-1,800 m above sea level. It can tolerate shade. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Namibia, Pakistan, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, USA, West Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Probably minor

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Mogoloreomoswu, Omutopiri, Otjindwapa, Wancad

Synonyms

Abutilon denticulatum R. Br.; Abutilon kotschyi Hochst. ex Webb.; Sida amaena Wall.;