Abutilon theophrasti

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Abutilon theophrasti

Family: (Malvaceae)

(A) to 3′.  Velvet Leaf, China Jute.  A Native of southern Asia whose specific epithet commemorates the ancient Greek botanist-philosopher, Theophrastus.  Velvet Leaf has been grown in China since around 2000 BCE for its strong, jute-like fibre.  The alternately arranged leaves are light green, cordate, pubescent and up to eight inches long and wide.  A solitary flower about ¾-inch across emerges from the axils of the upper leaves. Each flower consists of five petals that are yellow to orange-yellow, five light green, pubescent sepals, and numerous stamens with golden yellow anthers that surround the pistil in a loose cluster. The flowers are followed by interesting fruit that is initially light green, but quickly turns brown or black with maturity. This fruit (schizocarp) is a circular cup-shaped disc of 9 to 15 carpels, each with a beak on the margin of the disc.  Blooms July to August.  Well-drained soil.  Sun/partial shade.  3 & T3