Abutilon species
Basic Information
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: abutilon
Plant ID (slug): abutilon-species
Numeric ID: 19430
USDA Hardiness: 7-10
Ratings
Physical Characteristics
Abutilon species is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Distribution
Hybrids of garden origin involving several species, especially A. megapotanicum and A. pictum.
Habitats
Edible Uses
Flowers - raw or cooked. A delicious sweet flavour, they are excellent on their own or as part of a mixed salad[K]. The flowers produce nectar all the time they are open so, assuming the plant is grown indoors and is not visited by pollinating insects, the sweetness increases the longer the flower is open[K].
Medicinal Uses
None known
Known Hazards
None known
Detailed Information
Additional Information
Title: Abutilon species