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Abutilon sonneratianum Seeds
Chinese Bell Flower, Chinese Lantern, Mallow, Indian Mallow, and Flowering Maple
Abutilon is a large genus of approximately 150 species of broadleaf evergreens in the mallow family, Malvaceae. The genus includes annuals, perennials, shrubs, and small trees from 1–10 m tall, and is found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The leaves resemble those of maples. Common names include Abutilon, Chinese Bell Flower, Chinese Lantern, Mallow, Indian Mallow, and Flowering Maple, for the maple-like leaves of some species, although the genus is not related to the true maples. Abutilons are popular garden plants in subtropical areas. The lantern-like buds open to solitary, pendulous, bell- to cup-shaped flowers up to 8 cm in diameter in shade of red, pink, yellow, white and pastel shades. These are such beautiful plants, in and out of flower, that every gardener in South Africa should plant one. As an added bonus most will grow and flower well in pots. This exceptionally ornamental shrub has big, magnificent flowers that are an opulent butter-yellow, and the leaves are velvety and heart-shaped. The seed pods are also ornamental. Abutilon sonneratianum is a grand South African indigenous shrub that will create a sumptuous tropical effect in the garden. In nature it is found growing along forest margins. Plant them in an area that receives dappled shade throughout the day or direct morning sun and afternoon shade for best performance. It will also do well in pots when watered regularly and fertilized at the beginning of the growing season.
