Illustrative key for Abutilon spp. in the Maltese Islands - by Stephen Mifsud.
Vers V3.80

Abutilon Mill.
Indian Mallows Ħobbejz isfar
Taxa left beyond this couplet: 2 Abutilon grandifolium Abutilon theophrasti Description of Abutilon Abutilon is a genus of herbs, shrubs, or small trees characterized by soft pubescence and alternate, simple leaves that are often cordate, ovate, or palmately veined. The flowers are usually solitary or arranged in small clusters in the leaf axils, with five distinct petals, commonly yellow, orange, pink, or red. Epicalyx absent unlike several genera of this family. The calyx is persistent and five-lobed. Stamens numerous, united into a staminal column surrounding the style, often grouped and capitate. The fruit is a schizocarp composed of several one-seeded mericarps, arranged in a ring around a central axis. Description by D. A. Webb extracted from Flora Europaea Vol 1-5 (Tutin et al., 1964-1993)

Abutilon key: couplet steps >> 1

	Lead 1.A	+	No of mericarps (fruiting compartments) > 12	ref	Abutilon theophrasti
		++	Hairs short ( < 2mm) with a gland at the tip	ref
		+++	Mature plants 30–80 cm high	ref

OR

	Lead 1.B	-	No of mericarps ( fruiting compartments) 6-12	ref	Abutilon grandifolium
		- -	Hair simple, villous, eglandular > 2 mm long	ref
		- - -	Mature plant 100–300 cm high	ref

[A] Illustration of Lead 1.A +	[B] Illustration of Lead 1.B -	Identification Tips
		It is recommended to average measurements from three to five well-developed fruit heads to avoid artificially low or high values.
Image of A. theophrasti by Stephen Mifsud	Image of A. grandifolium by Stephen Mifsud