Abutilon theophrasti
Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti )
The velvetleaf or Hárslevelű velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti ) is an annual neophyte, which occurs in Germany, especially in beet fields. It belongs to the mallow family ( Malvaceae ).
Description
These are annual herbs that grow upright with a dominant main axis and are usually high between one and two meters. The whole plants are velvety hairy, what the nature has earned the name velvetleaf.
The long -stalked leaves are roundish heart -shaped, the tip can be extended also triangular. The leaf margin is serrated. From the leaf base to go from seven to eleven strong veining.
The flowers are in loose, zymösen, axillary inflorescences and are 1 to 4 cm long stalks. The five petals are dark yellow to light orange, wheel-shaped spread and usually half an inch long. The lanceolate to broadly lanceolate sepals are fused at the base.
The 12 to 15 carpels form a characteristically shaped capsule fruit that open when ripe with a slit on the outside.
Distribution, habitat requirements and use
It was originally a medium or South Asian Art, the exact distribution is not known. Meanwhile, the species has been introduced but in large parts of Asia, Europe and North America.
It was introduced in the 18th century in parts of Europe, including Germany, North America and Australia as fiber plants, where it was soon supplanted by better fiber plants such as hemp, flax or cotton. In China, however, it is still cultivated.
In Europe they came afterwards mainly in Southern Europe, and only very occasionally in Central Europe. However, since 1990 and especially since 2000, she has performed all over central Europe frequently. They are found mainly in beet fields, as approved for herbicides do not provide protection against the type.