Abutilon leucopetalum

(F. Muell.) Benth.

Desert lantern, Lantern Bush

Malvaceae Edible: Root 104 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Abutilon leucopetalum commonly known as desert Chinese lantern, is a flowering plant in the family Malvaceae and is endemic to Australia. It is a small shrub with yellow flowers and branches densely covered with soft hairs.

Description

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.

Edible Uses

The thickened root is eaten after cooking.

Traditional Uses

The thickened root is eaten after cooking.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. This plant occurs in Central and Northern Australia. It is often near the base of rocks in the hills. It needs well drained soil. It does best in a sunny position. It can grow in arid places.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

It can be grown from seed or cuttings. Seedling germination is encouraged by burning. Flowering occurs after rains.

Notes

There are about 100-160 Abutilon species.

Also Known As

Desert Chinese Lantern

References (6)

Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1982, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 2. Lothian. p 8
Fl. austral. 1:200. 1863
Hunter, J.T., 2017, Is there a relationship between contemporary high Aboriginal plant resource locations and mapped vegetation communities? Cunninghamia 17:27-34. The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. ISSN 2200 - 405X
Latz, P.K., 1996, Bushfires and Bushtucker: Aboriginal plant use in Central Australia. IAD Press Alice Springs p 83
Lazarides, M. & Hince, B., 1993, Handbook of Economic Plants of Australia, CSIRO. p 1

Show all 6 references