Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Abutilon striatum |
| Family Name: | Malvaceae |
| Common Name(s): | Red Vein Indian Mallow, Parlor Maple |
| Size: | Can grow up to 5-8 feet tall and wide |
| Plant Type: | Evergreen shrub |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Native to Brazil and other parts of South America, widely cultivated in subtropical and tropical areas worldwide |
| Native to: | Brazil |
| Planted range in the USA: | Not native but grown in Florida, parts of Texas, Southern California, & Hawaii |
| Conservation Status: | Not listed as threatened; considered invasive in some areas |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Best planted in spring or early summer to establish before cooler months |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type: | Well-drained, fertile soil; prefers loamy or sandy soils |
| Soil pH: | 5.6 to 6.0 (slightly acidic to alkaline) |
| Water Requirements: | Medium; requires regular watering, especially in dry conditions |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Feed with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season for best flowering. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and promote bushier growth |
| Growth Rate: | Medium; establishes quickly under optimal conditions |
| Companion Planting: | Benefits from being planted with other tropical and subtropical plants that provide light shade and shared water needs |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | Moderate; can withstand brief periods of drought once established |
| Frost Tolerance: | Low; can tolerate light frosts but may be damaged by temperatures below 20°F (-6°C) |
| Heat Tolerance: | High; thrives in warm to hot climates and can tolerate temperatures up to 90°F (32°C) |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate; may require support in very windy locations |
| Salt Tolerance: | Moderate; suitable for planting in coastal areas with some protection from direct sea spray |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 8-11 |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Insignificant; the plant is primarily grown for its flowers |
| Harvest Time: | N/A |
| Fruit Description: | N/A |
| Edible Plant: | No |
| Edible Parts: | None |
| Medicinal: | No significant medicinal uses reported |
| Flower Color: | Yellow with red veins |
| Flower Shape: | Large, bell-shaped |
| Fragrance: | None |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Late summer to fall |
| Bloom Duration: | Lasts several weeks |
| Pollination: Self or Other? |
Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Bees, butterflies, and birds are attracted to the flowers for nectar and shelter |
| Pollinators: | Attracts a wide variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies |
| Problematic Pest: | Generally resistant to pests; occasional issues with aphids and leaf miners. |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | No, the plant is not toxic; it is safe around children and pets |
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | None |
| Toxic to Humans: | Not toxic |
| Toxic to Animals: | Non-toxic; safe for wildlife and domestic animals |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Can occasionally suffer from fungal infections, especially in humid conditions |
Parlor Maple (Abutilon Striatum)
The Abutilon striatum, commonly referred to as Parlor Maple, is an excellent choice for gardeners and homeowners seeking a low-maintenance plant that brings a vibrant, tropical flair to their surroundings. Known for its lush green foliage and striking, bell-shaped flowers, Parlor Maple is not only easy to care for but also provides year-round visual interest. This plant is particularly appealing because of its adaptability to various living environments, thriving both indoors as a potted plant and outdoors in mild climates.
Parlor Maple’s ability to bloom throughout the year makes it a perennial favorite among those looking to enhance their living spaces with continuous color and natural beauty. Its flowers, ranging in shades from bright yellow to deep orange, are complemented by the soft, maple-like leaves that add a lush backdrop to any garden or room. Whether you’re aiming to brighten a shady corner of your yard or create a tropical oasis on your patio, Abutilon striatum is a reliable and enchanting choice. Its minimal water and light requirements make it particularly suited for busy individuals or those new to gardening, ensuring a rewarding experience with little effort.
Companion Planting
For Abutilon striatum (Parlor Maple), creating a well-balanced garden with companion plants that enhance its growth and visual appeal is key. Here are some ideal companion plants that are both Florida Native and Florida Friendly, suitable for warm climates in planting zone 9. These plants complement the Parlor Maple in terms of cultural requirements, aesthetics, and attracting beneficial wildlife:
Florida Native Plants
Ferns (Various Species)
Zone Range: 3-11 depending on species
Benefits: Ferns help maintain soil moisture and provide a lush, textured backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the softer, maple-like leaves of the Parlor Maple.
Use: Ideal for underplanting around the base of Parlor Maple, providing ground cover and visual interest.
Firebush (Hamelia patens)
Zone Range: 8-11
Benefits: With its vibrant red flowers, Firebush attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, which can help pollinate the garden and enhance the biodiversity around Parlor Maple.
Use: Plant alongside Parlor Maple to create a dynamic, wildlife-friendly garden area.
Florida Friendly Plants
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)
Zone Range: 9-11
Benefits: The colorful and vibrant flowers of Bougainvillea create a stunning visual contrast with the softer hues of Parlor Maple's blooms. Both plants thrive in full sun and have similar water needs.
Use: Use Bougainvillea as a climber on nearby trellises or walls to complement the upright growth of Parlor Maple.
Lantana (Lantana camara)
Zone Range: 8-11
Benefits: Lantana's drought tolerance and colorful flowers make it a useful companion for attracting pollinators and adding color diversity to the garden.
Use: Plant Lantana in the foreground or along borders where its sprawling habit can contrast with the taller Parlor Maple.
Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)
Zone Range: 8-11
Benefits: Known for attracting butterflies, Pentas will bring additional pollinators to your garden, benefiting the surrounding plants and creating a more active and vibrant ecosystem.
Use: Plant Pentas around the base of Parlor Maple for a continuous bloom of star-shaped flowers.
These companion planting suggestions not only enhance the beauty and ecological balance of your garden but also ensure that each plant benefits from the others, creating a harmonious and sustainable garden environment.