Japanese name: イチビ Scientific name:Abutilon theophrasti
[Overview]
An annual about 2 m tall.
It has a strong unpleasant odor.
The stem branches in the upper part and has short soft hairs.
The leaves are simple and alternate, heart-shaped, 8–10 cm long, with short soft hairs on both surfaces, especially many on the underside.
The leaf margin has fine teeth.
The petioles are long.
The flowers are solitary in the leaf axils and are yellow with 5 petals, about 1.5–2 cm across.
The staminal column is short.
The fruit is a schizocarp that splits into 12–15 parts.
[History]
It was introduced from China long ago to obtain fiber from the bark of the stem.
Plants that escaped from cultivation, and those mixed into imported livestock feed, have become naturalized.
[Uses]
The seeds are used medicinally.
[Notes]
It is designated as an invasive alien species requiring caution under the Invasive Alien Species Act.
