Abutilon hirtum aka Florida Keys Indian Mallow

Abutilon hirtum is a shrub in the mallow family, Malvaceae. Its native range spans the tropical and subtropical Old World. It grows from Africa through Arabia and the eastern Mediterranean. Its range extends across Asia as far as Indonesia. It has also become naturalized in tropical America. The RHS lists Abutilon graveolens as a synonym. This species is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This perennial has woody stems that last from year to year. One source lists its height as about 6.6 feet [2 metres]. The same account gives an upper height of 8.2 feet [2.5 metres]. It does not give a separate size range for garden plants. Soft hairs cover the stems and give them a velvety feel. The stems also feel sticky to the touch. Leaf stalks and flower stalks share these traits. The supplied accounts do not describe leaf shape or flower colour.

In the wild, it grows in woods, scrub and savannah. It also occurs in heavily grazed grassland and beside roads. Hedges, fences and termite mounds provide other sites. Many records come from riversides and other damp places. Yet its wider climate has a marked dry season. It grows from sea level to 5,906 feet [1,800 metres]. River silt supports it, though records more often mention alkaline soils. These habitat records do not establish a garden watering schedule. The sources give no frost limit or hardiness zone.

People gather this plant for food, fibre and traditional medicine. Some also grow it as an ornamental shrub. Its fruit is reported as a food eaten raw. The source suggests people probably eat it before it ripens. At that stage, it may have a mucilaginous, or slimy, texture. The account lists no known hazards. That statement does not establish safety for pets or every plant part.

The stem bark yields fibre for thread, rope and fabric. The fibres combine length and strength with a soft, fine texture. Traditional uses include roots for fever, coughs and toothache. People apply leaves or flowers to abscesses. Other recorded uses involve ulcers, kidney gravel and childbirth. These reports describe folk practice, not proof of safe treatment. The plant can host okra mosaic virus. The source lists seed as a means of propagation.