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 ramosum is an annual to perennial herb native to the drier areas of tropical Africa from Senegal to Somalia, south to Namibia, Botswana, S. Africa and Mozambique; through Arabia to northwest India. It can be found growing in Acacia woodland, riverine forest, degraded forest and fallows at elevations from sea level to 1,800 metres. With orange to yellow flowers, and growing up to 2 metres tall, the plant is sometimes harvested from the wild as a local source of fibre and medicines. The powdered root is added to beer or porridge to be drunk for the treatment of stomach ailments.