Velvety abutilon Velvety abutilon

Sida permollis Willdenow, Enum. Pl., 723. 1809

Shrubs, 1–2 m. Stems erect, softly stellate-pubescent, without simple hairs. Leaves: stipules lanceolate, 5–7 mm; petiole 1/2 to as long as blade; blade discolorous, ovate, 7–12 cm, ca. 2 times as long as wide, base deeply cordate, margins serrate, apex acuminate, surfaces softly tomentose. Inflorescences solitary flowers or terminal panicles. Flowers: calyx 10–15 mm, lobes basally overlapping, erect in fruit, lanceolate-ovate, to 8 mm wide; corolla yellow or yellow-orange throughout, petals 10–18 mm; staminal column glabrous; style 10–12-branched. Schizocarps ± ovoid, 8–10 × 8–10 mm; mericarps: apex acute, hirsute. Seeds 3 per mericarp, 2 mm, papillate.

Flowering year-round. Coastal areas, disturbed sites, often on limestone soil; 0–100 m; Fla.; Mexico; West Indies; Central America.

Abutilon permolle is restricted primarily to the four southernmost counties of Florida with an additional collection from Manatee County.