Pseudabutilon umbellatum

Pseudabutilon umbellatum (L.) Fryxell

Synonym: Abutilon umbellatum

Family: Malvaceae

Habit: Pseudabutilon umbellatum grows as a shrub to 1.5 m in height. The leaves are arranged alternately, ovate (sometimes slightly 3 lobed), to 15 cm in length, with a crenate leaf margin, acute/acuminate leaf apex and cordate leaf base.  The leaves have stellate pubescence and there are stipules.

The complete, perfect, actinomorphic flowers are in corymbs or umbels in axillary and terminal groups. They are subtended by bracts.  The peduncle and calyx are pubescent. The calyx has 5 partially fused green sepals. The corolla has 5 unfused yellow petals.  There are numerous stamens fused together around the style in a column.  The pubescent ovary is superior with numerous locules and numerous seeds.  The fruit is a loculicidal capsule with each carpel having an apical spine. 

Habitat: Pseudabutilon umbellatum grows in Human Altered environments (yards, disturbed areas, old fields) and sandy areas.

Distribution: Pseudabutilon umbellatum occurs in the south and central island groupings of the Lucayan Archipelago, the Caribbean region and Central and South America.

Medicinal/Cultural/Economic usage: Pseudabutilon umbellatum is not known to be used medicinally in the Bahamas.