Abutilon fruticosum is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family known by the common names Texas Indian mallow, pelotazo, and sweet Indian mallow. It is native to Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas in the United States.[+]
This species is a perennial herb growing up to 1.8 meters tall, but usually not exceeding 90 centimeters. The alternately arranged leaves are up to 10 centimeters long. The blades are thick and coated in hairs, appearing gray in color. The yellow-orange flowers are up to about 2.5 centimeters wide. Flowering occurs in June through October.
This plant grows in chaparral and woodlands and on prairies. It grows on cliffs, slopes, and limestone outcrops.
This plant is eaten by wild and domesticated ungulates. The seeds provide food for birds such as the Bobwhite Quail. The flowers attract birds and butterflies. It is host to the larvae of a number of butterfly species.
This species is drought-tolerant and can be used in xeriscaping.
AI-generated description
Abutilon fruticosum, also known as Indian mallow or desert mallow, is a shrubby perennial plant native to tropical and subtropical regions. In Qatar, it has been found to grow in arid environments, tolerating high temperatures and saline soils. Studies have reported its presence in the country's coastal and inland areas, where it often forms part of the vegetation in sandy dunes and rocky outcrops. The plant's adaptability to harsh conditions makes it a notable component of Qatar's flora, contributing to the biodiversity of the region's desert ecosystems.
Flower and seeds of Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) on roadside of a road to Zubara in Al Magdah farms area, in north-western Qatar, February 22, 2014
Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) on roadside of a road to Zubara in Al Magdah farms area, in north-western Qatar, February 22, 2014
Shoot of Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) on roadside of a road to Zubara in Al Magdah farms area, in north-western Qatar, February 22, 2014
Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) on roadside of a road to Zubara, north-western Qatar, February 28, 2014
Seeds of Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) on roadside of a road to Zubara in area of Al Magdah farms in northern Qatar, May 2, 2014
Seed receptacles of Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) on roadside of a road to Zubara in area of Al Magdah farms in northern Qatar, May 2, 2014
Yellow flower of Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) on roadside of a road to Zubara in area of Al Magdah farms in northern Qatar, May 2, 2014
Blooming Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) on roadside of a road to Zubara in area of Al Magdah farms in northern Qatar, May 2, 2014
Seedling of Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum) in a silty depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, October 24, 2015
Fruits of Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) in a depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, November 7, 2015
Seedling of Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) in a depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, November 7, 2015
Seedling of Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) with flower buds in a depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, November 7, 2015
Seedling of Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) in a depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, November 7, 2015
Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) in a depression on roadside of a road to Zubara. Northern Qatar, November 7, 2015
Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) near a camel fence on roadside of a road to Zubara in area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, February 13, 2016
Blooming Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) on roadside of a road to Zubara in area of Al Magdah farms. North-western Qatar, February 20, 2016
Flower of Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) against blue sky on roadside of a road to Zubara in area of Al Magdah farms. North-western Qatar, February 20, 2016
Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) near a camel fence in a silty depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, February 27, 2016
Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) eaten by goats inside a bush of Ziziphus in a silty depression near a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, February 27, 2016
Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) growing under protection of Ziziphus and Lycium bushes in Yoodah depression near Al Zubara Road. Northern Qatar, February 27, 2016
Blooming Texas Indian-mallow (Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon denticulatum, local name gargadan) in Yoodah depression near Al Zubara Road. Northern Qatar, February 27, 2016
AI-generated summary of observations
The plant Abutilon fruticosum was observed in various locations in Qatar, including the Al Magdah farms area and along the road to Zubara. It was found growing on roadsides, in silty depressions, and under the protection of other bushes such as Ziziphus and Lycium. The plant produced yellow flowers and seeds, which were observed at different stages of development throughout the year. In February 2014, the plant was seen with flowers and seeds, while in May 2014, it had seed receptacles and yellow flowers. By October 2015, seedlings were visible, and by November 2015, the plant had produced fruits. The plant continued to bloom and produce new growth throughout 2016, with observations recorded in January, February, and later months. Goats were also seen eating the plant in some areas.