Common Name: Country Mallow

General Information

Abutilon indicum is an erect, many branched, usually perennial plant with stems up to about 2 metres tall that become rather woody, especially at the base, and persist for a number of years. Sometimes though, the stems are annual, with the plant dying back each year to a woody base.
The plant is sometimes gathered from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of fibre. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - China, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia.

Habitat

Open areas and uncultivated land to elevations of 700 metres in Nepal[]. Disturbed sites at low elevations near the sea[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position or part day shade in a fertile well-drained soil[].
The plant has escaped from cultivation and has become widespread as a weed in the tropics[].
Dead-heading plants to prevent seeding can enhance longevity[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

The roasted seeds are eaten[].

Medicinal

All parts of the plant contain mucilaginous substances and these are in large part responible for the plants healing and soothng properties[].
The seeds yield raffinose and a semi-drying oil consisting of linoleic, oleic, palmitic and slearic acids[].

The juice of the leaves is demulcent and diuretic[, ]. A decoction of the leaves is used to treat fever, colic etc, and is used externally for cleaning wounds and ulcers[, ].

A paste made of the leaves or seeds is applied to wounds, boils and ulcers[, ].

The seeds are laxative and are useful in cases of haemorrhoids and cough[, ].

An infusion of the root is used as a treatment for leprosy[, ]. It is taken internally as a cooling remedy for coughs and fevers[].

A decoction of the flowers is used to treat fever, colic, and for cleaning wounds and ulcers[].

Other Uses

A strong white fibre is obtained from the stem bark[, ]. Fibre from mature stems is suitable for making cordage, twine and rope, whilst that from younger stems can be woven into fabrics[, ]. The fibre takes dyes readily[]. The stems are easy to ret[].

Propagation

Seed - germination should take place within a few weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on until large enough to plant out.
Cuttings of young shoots[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood[].

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