Abutilon alii S. Abedin

This species resembles Abutilon pannosum (Forst.f.) Schl. in its general appearance particularly in the absence of fruit. This, however, readily differs from Abutilon pannosum (Forst.f.) Schl. in the pedicel, calyx and fruit. In Abutilon alii S.Abedin the pedicel is thicker and more densely hairy above the joint than below. The fruits have dense hairs of unequal length, shorter than calyx, and ridges and furrows are not visible on it. While in Abutilon pannosum (Forst.f.) Schl. pedicel is uniformly thick, and hairy. The fruits which have hairs of uniform length, are larger than calyx, and are provided with visible ridges and furrows.

Perennial herb or shrub, 1-3 m tall, stellate pubescent, velvety. Leaves 4-30 cm in diameter, orbicular, orbicular-ovate or broadly ovate, irregularly dentate to serrate, cordate at base, rounded to acute at apex, 7-9 nerved, stellate pubescent and nearly velvety on both sides, occasionally 3 angular towards apex; petiole up to 25 cm long; stipules 5-8 mm long, 2 mm broad, falcate, lanceolate. Flowers axillary, solitary; pedicel (1-) 4-7 cm long, in fruit up to 8 cm, articulate near the apex, lower part of the fruit stalk (below articulation) somewhat thinner, less hairy and 4-25 times longer than the upper. Calyx 10-12 mm long, in fruit up to 17 mm long, fused to the middle, larger than or equalling the fruit, pubescent on both sides, hairs of unequal length within; lobes usually deltoid with 4-5 mm long apical points. Corolla 3-4 cm across, yellow to orange yellow; petals 13-18 mm long, obovate, claw hairy on the margin. Staminal tube 5-6 mm long, stellate pubescent. Fruit depressed globose, 12-15 mm across, floccose, hairs of unequal length, ridges and furrows not visible before dehiscence because of dense indumentum; mericarps 20-26, obtuse, 8-10 mm long, 5-7 mm broad, reniform, separating after dehiscence. Seeds usually 3 in each mericarp, usually reniform.

Distribution: Endemic to Pakistan.