Abutilon theophrasti, also known as Velvetleaf, Velvet Plant, Velvetweed and the Chinese jute is an annual plant in the family Malvaceae that is native to southern Asia and it serves as a type species of the genus Abutilon. Its specific epithet, theophrasti, commemorates the ancient Greek botanist-philosopher Theophrastus.
Abutilon theophrasti
Flower and leaves
Abutilon theophrasti - MHNT
Schizocarp on a plant that grew in California.
Malvaceae, or the mallows, is a family of flowering plants estimated to contain 244 genera with 4225 known species. Well-known members of economic importance include okra, cotton, cacao, roselle and durian. There are also some genera containing familiar ornamentals, such as Alcea (hollyhock), Malva (mallow), and Tilia. The genera with the largest numbers of species include Hibiscus, Pavonia, Sida, Ayenia, Dombeya, and Sterculia.
Malvaceae
Swamp rose mallow
Common mallow (Malva sylvestris)
Alcea rosea, the hollyhock, is a common garden flower in Malvaceae