Abutilon auritum (MALVACEAE); Chinese lantern Small or medium shrub to 4m, found in dry rainforest and vine scrubs. Widespread in northern parts of Australia, found in NSW, Qld, NT and WA. Leaves simple, alternate, to 15cm in length, with finely irregular margins; broadly ovate to heart-shaped and drawn out to a point at the tip. Blade soft and velvety hairy on both sides, grey-green above and greenish white below. Stalks to 10cm in length, with stipules (leafy outgrowths) present at the base of stalks on young shoots. Flowers yellow/orange, borne singly on slender stalks, mostly from leaf axils. Appear Oct to Dec. Fruit a blackish, hairy capsule with many segments; ripe March to Oct. In the same family as hibiscus (including the native hibiscus, H. heterophyllus).         © 2007 Brisbane Rainforest Action & Information Network PO Box 443 The Gap Qld 4061 Email: ask@brisrain.webcentral.com.au Privacy and disclaimer