Abutilon

about 150, see text Abutilon is a large genus of about 150 species of broadleaf evergreens in the mallow family (Malvaceae).

Common names include Flowering Maple, Indian Mallow, and Parlor Maple.

Members include annuals, perennials, shrubs, and small trees, and are found in the tropical and subtropical regions of all continents.

Selected species

• Abutilon abutilon : Shrubby Indian Mallow
• Abutilon auritum : Asian Indian Mallow
• Abutilon berlandieri : Berlandier's Indian Mallow
• Abutilon darwinii
• Abutilon eremitopetalum : Hiddenpetal Indian Mallow
• Abutilon fruticosum : Texas Indian Mallow
• Abutilon grandifolium : Hairy Indian Mallow
• Abutilon hirtum : Florida Keys Indian Mallow
• Abutilon hulseanum
• Abutilon x hybridum : Chinese Lantern
• Abutilon hyoleucum : Whiteleaf Indian Mallow
• Abutilon incanum : Hoary Abutilon , Pelotazo
  • Abutilon incanum pringlei : Pringle's Abutilon
  • Abuliton indicum
• Abuliton insigne
• Abutilon leonardi : Woolly Abutilon
• Abutilon malacum : Yellow Indian Mallow
• Abutilon megapotamicum: Trailing Abutilon
• Abutilon mollicomum : Sonoran Indian Mallow
  • Abutilon mollissimum
• Abutilon palmeri : Palmer's Indian Mallow
• Abutilon parishii : Parish's Indian Mallow
• Abutilon parvulum : Dwarf Indian Mallow
• Abutilon permolle : Coastal Indian Mallow
• Abutilon pictum : Flowering Maple , Parlor
• Abutilon reventum : Yellowflower Indian Mallow
• Abutilon sandwicense : Greenflower Indian Mallow
• Abutilon striatum : Redvein Abutilon , Red Vein Indian Mallow
• Abutilon theophrasti : Velvetleaf , China Jute, Indian Mallow, Butter Print, Butterweed, Button Weed
• Abutilon thurberi : Thurber's Indian Mallow
• Abutilon trisulcatum : Anglestem Indian Mallow
• Abutilon venosum
• Abutilon virginianum : Virgin Islands Abutilon , Jost Van Dyke's Indian Mallow
• Abutilon vitifolium
• Abutilon wrightii : Wright's Indian Mallow

Abutilon x hybridum (Chinese Lantern) is a popular group of hybrids that are semi-tropical, frost-tender shrubs typically growing 2-3 m tall. The lantern-like buds open to solitary, pendulous, bell- to cup-shaped flowers to 8 cm diameter with five overlapping petals and significant staminal columns typical of the mallow family. Flowers come in red, pink, yellow, white and pastel shades. Lobed, maple-like, light green leaves are often variegated with white and yellow.

Sow seed indoors in late winter and set out seedling plants after last frost date.

Uses: Beds, borders, pots, window boxes or containers.