Abutilon indicum aka Indian Abutilon

Abutilon indicum is also known as country mallow. It belongs to the mallow family, Malvaceae. Its native range takes in the Mascarenes. It also spans tropical and subtropical Asia. It extends east into the western Pacific. Kew places it in a tropical biome with dry seasons. It grows on open ground and land left untilled. It also grows on disturbed ground near the coast. Nepal records reach about 2,300 feet [700 metres] above sea level.

This shrub grows upright and has many branches. It reaches about 6.6 feet [2 metres] in height. Its stems turn woody, most of all near the base. They may live for several years. Some plants lose their stems each year. These die back to the woody base. Kew also records an annual form, which grows for one year. Useful Tropical Plants says most plants are perennial: they live for years. People grow it for show and gather wild plants. Wild plants yield food, fibre, and remedies used in folk medicine.

Grow it in sun or shade for part of the day. Use rich soil that drains well. The sources give no cold-hardiness rating or guide on when to water. Plants can escape gardens and become weeds across the tropics. Garden care thus needs to include seed control. Remove spent flowers before they set seed. This may help plants live longer. Grow new plants from seed or cuttings. Seeds may sprout within a few weeks. Take cuttings from young shoots or wood that has partly ripened.

People roast the seeds, then eat them. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known hazards. This does not mean the plant is safe for pets. Folk medicine uses the leaves, seeds, and roots. The plant has mucilage, a substance linked to its soothing uses. Reports note leaf drinks for fever and colic. People also put leaf or seed pastes on skin sores. These are folk uses, not proven medical treatments. The seeds yield oil as well.

The stem bark yields strong, white fibre that takes dyes. People use older stem fibre for rope, cord, and twine. They weave fibre from young stems into cloth. Workers can ret the stems to help free the fibres. These uses give the plant value beyond the garden. Its spread beyond gardens remains a concern where it grows.