Ragged mallow

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, placing it within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Malvales and the family Malvaceae. Ultimately, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Abutilon.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution spanning across several distinct regions. In Northern Africa, it can be found growing within the borders of Algeria and Egypt. Its range extends to the Macaronesian islands, specifically including Cape Verde. Furthermore, the species is present in West Tropical Africa, where it inhabits Burkina. Finally, the plant is also documented to grow within the territory of Mali.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Abutilon pannosum is intrinsically linked to the hydrological dynamics of its specific environment, as it is primarily found inhabiting wadi channels. These ephemeral watercourses provide a specialized niche characterized by periodic moisture availability and the movement of sediments during seasonal flow events. By growing within these channels, the plant occupies a landscape defined by fluctuating water tables and coarse, well-draining substrates, which necessitates physiological adaptations to survive alternating periods of inundation and intense aridity. The nutrient cycling and soil composition within these wadi systems play a critical role in supporting its growth, positioning the species as a specialized component of the riparian-like corridors found within otherwise arid or semi-arid drainage networks.

Habitat :

wadi channel

Life history

The life history of Abutilon pannosum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth habit and ecological positioning, the species is classified as a chamaephyte, a life form where the permanent buds are located close to the soil surface, often just above it. This specific life form, consistent across its various taxonomic descriptors as a chamaephyte, enables the plant to maintain stability and resilience within its native environment throughout its long-term lifecycle.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Abutilon pannosum is characterized by a woody growth form that fluctuates between a shrub and a subshrub. As a terrestrial species, it is an independent organism that does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte. The plant exhibits a self-supporting climbing habit rather than acting as a liana or vine. In terms of stature, it typically reaches an average height of approximately 2 m, with recorded heights ranging from a minimum of 0.91 m to a maximum of 1.83 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

subshrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.828822238 m

Plant height mean:

2 m

Plant height min:

0.914411119 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Abutilon pannosum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, meaning it utilizes the Calvin cycle to fix carbon dioxide directly through the enzyme Rubisco during the light-independent reactions. This metabolic process is typical of many members of the Malvaceae family, allowing the plant to function effectively in environments where moisture is relatively available. Furthermore, regarding its nutrient acquisition strategies, the plant is not a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the specialized symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as rhizobia, required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, and instead relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium present in the soil substrate.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Abutilon pannosum is characterized by a specific flowering phenology and distinct seed characteristics. The plant's flowering period typically begins in April and concludes in June, though the timing can be variable across different environmental conditions. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds that exhibit a notable range in mass; the individual seed mass varies from a minimum of 0.00109 g to a maximum of 0.01041 g, with an average seed mass mean of 0.00371 g.

Flowering time :

Apr

Flowering time :

Jun

Seed mass max:

0.01041 g

Seed mass mean:

0.00371 g

Seed mass min:

0.00109 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Abutilon pannosum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include methyl salicylate.

methyl salicylate

1. Microorganisms

Activities

Abutilon pannosum has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial.

Antibacterial

1. Microorganisms

Preparations

Abutilon pannosum has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethanolic extracts.

Ethanolic extracts

1. Microorganisms