Indian Mallow

Abutilon reventum, Abutilon abutiloides,

Content: Deborah Bird
Photo(s): Brian Gersten, Sue Carnahan

Other common names for each of these include Shrubby Indian Mallow, Yellow Indian Mallow, Yellow Flower Indian Mallow

Two plants bear the common name of “Indian Mallow”. There are several other common names for each of these as well. Shrubby Indian Mallow, Yellow Indian Mallow, Yellow Flower Indian Mallow and probably a few others not listed. Common names can be shared even among unrelated plants.

While a plant can have several different common names, only one botanical name is attributed to each particular species of plant and is used internationally.

Consider the Abutilons. These two plants look very much alike at first glance, but if we look at each closely, we can determine the species. I do need to say that sometimes a microscope, measuring device and detailed reference is needed but not necessarily in the case of our plants here. As a Sabino Canyon naturalist I often jot a few notes on my plant list or a small notebook that I carry or make notes in the Naturalist Guide that I carry with me.

Abutilon abutiloides

The following chart has the characteristics of each plant to help determine which characteristic belongs to which plant.

Species	Flower	Stems	Leaves	Fruit
Abutilon abutiloides	Orange/Yellow	One to several, up to 1.5 meters, stellate hairs, stems yellowish	Broadly heart shaped, NOT bi-colored, pale to med green	Diameter > length, ~10 mericarps,
Abutilon reventum	Orange/Yellow	Usually only one, up to 1.8 meters, stems reddish	Length and width ~equal, velvety, BI-Colored, dark green above, lt green below	Diameter > length, flattened hemisphere, ~10 mericarps

Looking at the chart, you can see that the difference in the leaves is one of the major characteristics that can distinguish these two plants, one is bi-colored, one is not. Also, the stems of the Abutilon reventum are reddish. They both have similar flowers, height, number of stems and fruit shape. It helps to know a little terminology, so I’ll give some here: Stellate: star shaped, bi-colored: two colors (in our case here, the top and bottom of the leaf), mericarps: sections of the fruit, like sections in an orange. And remember when we say fruit, it’s “the thing with the seeds in it.”

Take a look at the photos, and next time you’re on a walk in Sabino Canyon, especially in the dam area, you’ll be surprised at what you will see and learn if you stop and take time to notice.