Chinese Lantern / Asian Indian Mallow
Origin of name
Family: MALVACEAE
- Abutilon derived from Arabic
- auritum meaning “eared“
Occurrence
A local, understorey plant of beach forest, vine thickets, monsoon forest & gallery forest, often along streams.
Prefers sunny position in well-drained soil, but tolerates some shade. Can become leggy and untidy if not pruned. Responds to supplementary water in dry periods. Food plant for Hibiscus beetle and Metallic Flea beetle.
Appearance
Can grow to ~6m, but usually flowers and fruits as 1-3m shrub. Large, heart-shaped leaves. Abundant, yellow flowers lead to brown, hairy, 10-12 lobed fruit.
Yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies. Attractive, large leaves are a feature on flourishing plants.
