There have been several studies into the taxonomy of this and other related species (2016). It is almost as if each one has arrived at a new conclusion and renamed the plant accordingly. The online 'Flora do Brasil' treats this species as Abutilon purpurascens (Link) K.Schum. However, in some treatments that species has been merged with Abutilon esculentum A.St.-Hil as Abutilon esculentum. Then this section of the genus Abutilon was moved to the genus Bakeridesia, with this species becoming Bakeridesia esculenta (A.St.-Hil.) Monteiro. In 2012, Aliya A. Donnell in 'A Systematic Revision of Bakeridesia Hochr. (Malvaceae)' has proposed moving the species to the genus Callianthe, though a valid new name was not published. At the present (2016), we are retaining the name Abutilon purpurascens until we see evidence that the new names are being accepted[].

Common Name:

General Information

Abutilon purpurascens is an evergreen shrub growing about 2.4 metres tall.
The edible flowers are sometimes gathered from the wild and used locally. The plant is often grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its flowers.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.40 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Abutilon purpurascens is a plant of subtropical to tropical climates and is generally not very hardy in the temperate zone. It can tolerate light frosts and can succeed outdoors in the mildest areas if given a very sheltered, sunny position. However, even then it is best if given a minimum temperature of 10°c over the winter[]. It is probably best to grow it outdoors in a tub during the summer and overwinter it indoors[].
Requires full sun or part day shade and a fertile well-drained soil[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Flowers - cooked. Used as a vegetable[, , , ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a warm greenhouse. The seed germinates in 3 - 4 weeks at 15°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of young shoots in spring. Very easy, they root quickly[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[]. Very easy, they root quickly[].
Cuttings of mature wood, late autumn in a cold frame.