Abutilon indicum, Sida indica, Abutilon hirtum

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Mostly used as an indoor houseplant, the flowering maple is a good alternative for those in climates that aren't suitable for maples to grow naturally. The trunk is somewhat woody, with two to three inch leaves which are quite similar to maple leaves. So far, rarely used as bonsai, but they are readily available and have 2 inch bell-shaped flowers which bloom year-round to recommend them. Shape is usually maintained through pruning, however wiring should work as long as care was taken to protect the branches. These plants do fine in ordinary potting soil.

Abutilon indicum var. hirtum (Abutilon hirtum) is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of fibre, medicines and food.

Similar plants:

• Abutilon grandifolium, Sida grandifolia (Hairy Indian Mallow, Hairy Abutilon)
• Bakeridesia integerrima, Abutilon chiappardi, Abutilon chittendenii, Abutilon chitenendii, Sida integerrima (Velvetleaf, Canary Tree, Indian Mallow)
• Abutilon megapotamicum, Abutilon vexillarium (Flowering Maple, Trailing Abutilon, Brazilian Bell-flower)
• Abutilon pictum (Golden Rain Flowering Maple, Thompsons Flowering Maple, Bell Flower)
• Abutilon vitifolium, Corynabutilon vitifolium (Vine-leaved Abutilon, Flowering Maple, Indian Mallow)
• Abutilon x hybridum (Flowering Maple, Weeping Maple,Chinese Lantern)
• Herissantia crispa, Abutilon crispum (Bladdermallow, Curly Abutilon)
• Sida fallax (Yellow 'ilima)