Abutilon is a large genus of approximately 150 species of broadleaf evergreens in the mallow family, Malvaceae. The genus includes annuals, perennials, shrubs, and small trees found in the tropical and subtropical regions of all continents. Common names include Abutilon, Chinese Bell Flower, Chinese Lantern, Mallow, Indian Mallow, and Flowering Maple (for the maple-like leaves of some species, although the genus is not related to the true maples). Abutilons are popular for their nonstop display of cheerfully coloured flowers, mostly in shades of red, orange or yellow. They vary in flower shape, from big open bells to smaller, narrower, funnel-shaped blooms. Whether outside, or in a conservatory with good winter light, this species and its hybrids can keep on blooming through the winter if weather and micro-climate conditions are good.

Abutilon angulatum is an erect glaucous or yellowish or brownish shrub, usually growing 1 – 3 metres tall but occasionally taller, and is native to the drier areas of tropical Africa from Senegal to Somalia, south to Namibia and South Africa. The older stems are very ridged on this species and from spring to summer it bears yellow/orange/apricot flowers which attract bees. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental. Young leaves and flowers are cooked and used as a vegetable. The leaf contains mucilage which is used to treat problems of the digestive tract. The cooked or raw leaves are eaten as a remedy for hiccups. The roots are boiled, and the liquid drunk twice a day in the treatment of coughs and pneumonia and is also used to ease labour pains. An infusion of the root forms part of preparations taken in the treatment of epilepsy. The powdered root is applied externally on to burns. The flowers are made into a lotion applied in case of skin problems.