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velvetleaf
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Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)
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Venus's-flytrap. Venus's-flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) one of the best known of the meat-eating plants. Carnivorous plant, Venus flytrap, Venus fly trap
Plants: From Cute to Carnivorous
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Also called:
Indian mallow or China jute
Related Topics:
abutilon
fibre
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Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)
Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)

velvetleaf

plant
Also known as: Abutilon avicennae, Abutilon theophrasti, China jute, Indian mallow(Show More)
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Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History

velvetleaf, (Abutilon theophrasti), annual hairy plant of the mallow family (Malvaceae) native to southern Asia. The plant is cultivated in northern China for its fibre and is widely naturalized in warmer regions of North America, where it is often a serious agricultural weed. It grows 0.6–2.4 metres (2–8 feet) tall and has heart-shaped downy leaves. It bears five-petaled yellow flowers and beaked seedpods.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.