Callianthe picta aka Redvein Chinese Lantern

Callianthe picta is a woody plant in the mallow family. Older sources name it Abutilon pictum. Common names include flowering maple and parlour maple. Kew places its native range from southern Brazil to northeastern Argentina. Other sources also list Paraguay and Uruguay. These sources say they do not know it in truly wild settings. Growers raise it for its flowers in warm climates.

This evergreen shrub reaches about 16 feet (5 metres) tall. Its spread can reach about 6.6 feet (2 metres). It grows at a moderate pace, with upright or spreading growth. Cold winters can cause it to lose its leaves. Older plants may develop long, sparse stems. Pinching young shoot tips helps build a fuller shape. Growers can cut older plants close to ground level. Late winter, as growth starts, is the suggested time. The bark peels readily and can yield fine fibre.

PFAF lists yellow flowers and a season from April to September. Its brief summary instead places the main bloom in spring. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers. The plant can bloom on the current year's shoots. People eat the flowers raw or cooked for their sweet taste. Open flowers keep making nectar, which can increase sweetness indoors. This happens when visiting insects do not remove the nectar. The sources report no known hazards, but provide no pet-safety assessment.

Give this shrub sun or shade for part of the day. It needs fertile soil that drains well and stays moist. It dislikes drought. Sandy, loamy, and clay soils can all suit it. It accepts mildly acid through mildly alkaline conditions. PFAF lists USDA zones 8–10, but also calls it frost tender. Temperatures much below freezing can damage it. Outdoor growing in Britain suits only the mildest places. Winter mulch and wall support can help protect its growth. Plants cut back by cold may regrow from the base.

Garden uses include borders, hedges, containers, and stand-alone planting. Sheltered south- or west-facing walls offer useful sites. Sow seeds in spring under greenhouse cover. Summer shoot cuttings offer another way to raise plants. Keep young plants under glass through their first winter. Plant them out after the risk of frost has passed. One source records flower tea as a folk headache remedy. That report does not establish its medical safety or effect.