Abutilon indicum   

Abutilon indicum's description

Country mallow 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.

Abutilon indicum's facts

• This plant is often used as a medicinal plant
• This plant is often considered invasive on certain tropical islands

Abutilon indicum's Behavior & Ecology

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

Abutilon indicum's Reproduction

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.

Abutilon indicum's Relationship with Humans

Botanically, Abutilon Indicum is an Indian medicinal plant used in Ayurveda. Abutilon Indicum is beneficial in general debility, nervous disorders, headache, muscular weakness, heart diseases, bleeding disorders and paralytic disorders. Ayurvedic physicians commonly use Abutilon Indicum in joint pain, debility after chronic disease, Hemiplegia and facial paralysis. The oil prepared from Atibala and Bala is beneficial in all types of disorders of the nervous system, joint disorders and muscular dystrophy.