Chinese Lanterns
Back at the end of April I reworked my back garden to include a path from the chickens to the compost and in the process had to move a Chinese Lantern (Abutilon) plant that would have been 1m across and covered in buds ready to flower. But I really wanted to shorten the distance I have to carry poop, so I cut it back, replanted it and crossed my fingers. It definitely sulked for a while over winter but eventually I saw new buds and now it’s flowering again. Granted it’s not quite as grandiose as it was… but it will get there!
After seeing how hardy they are I couldn’t resist picking up another one at the BOGI fair last weekend. It’s another orange one, but this one has a pinky-red calyx (so it’s totally different I swear….).
Chinese Lanterns are part of the Malvaceae family, which is the same family as mallow, hibiscus, okra, rosella, hollyhock and even cacao, and the flowers are edible. In fact, a quick google tells me that most plants in the Malvaceae family are edible - one notable exception is cotton which is quite poisonous (although check this out!). The Australian native Kurrajong tree (Brachychiton), is also in this family and is a popular bush tucker food.
When I moved my original plant back in April, I took a few cuttings and even though it was kind of the wrong time of the year, quite a few struck and they are also known to self seed. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for a few different colours and propagating what I’ve got for around the garden.