Abutilon otocarpum
F.Muell.
Lantern flower, Desert Lantern, Desert Chinese Lantern
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Summary
Source: WikipediaAbutilon otocarpum, the desert lantern, is a small shrub of the family Malvaceae found in most parts of Australia.
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 seeds have a nutty flavour and can be eaten raw without any preparation.
Traditional Uses
The seeds are eaten. They have a nutty flavour and can be eaten without preparation.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
It grows in tropical and subtropical places. It grows in desert areas often near stream banks and flood plains. It suits a hot dry climate. It needs good drainage and does not do well in humid places. It can grow in slight shade. It can grow in arid places.
Where It Grows
Australia*,
Cultivation
It is grown from seed. Fire helps the germination and growth of this plant.
Other Uses
A fibre is obtained from the stem bark.
Notes
There are about 100-160 Abutilon species.
References (7)
- Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 188
- Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1982, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 2. Lothian. p 8
- 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., 1996, Bushfires and Bushtucker. IAD. p 84
- Lazarides, M. & Hince, B., 1993, Handbook of Economic Plants of Australia, CSIRO. p 1
Show all 7 references Hide references
- Paczkowska, G. & Chapman, A.R., 2000, The Western Australian Flora. A Descriptive Catalogue. Western Australian Herbarium. p 285
- Wheeler, J.R.(ed.), 1992, Flora of the Kimberley Region. CALM, Western Australian Herbarium, p 206
