Abutilon is a bell shaped flower. It is available in yellow, pink, orange and deep red colors. It belongs to the Mallow Family of plants. It is also called Chinese lantern or Indian mallow. Since its foliage resembles maple leaves, it is also known as Flowering Maple. It is believed that this flower was named Abutilon by Avicenna (980 – 1037 AD), the famous Persian physician who is hailed as the father of early modern medicine.
While some botanists think that this plant is native to South America, 200 species of Abutilon genus are known to grow in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Australia. It is a perennial which is grown for its decorative lantern like calyces. It thrives in well-drained soil in places where it gets plenty of full to part sunshine. The species of Abutilon depicted in the picture is known as Redvein Indian Mallow.
Floriography (language of flowers) suggests that Abutilon symbolizes ‘Meditation.’ Meditation confers the wisdom of insight. It helps us get in touch with the center of our being, of who we are. It opens the eyes of our heart and spirit to experience the True, the Good and the Beautiful present within and around us. Meditation helps cultivate the flower of inner peace whose fragrance permeates through our acts of kindness.
( By Marshal Upasi and Jane Livingston-Upasi)
