FLANNELBUSH

(Fremontodendron californicum), shrub of the cacao, or chocolate, family (Sterculiaceae) of the order Malvales, native to southwestern North America. The lower leaf surfaces have a felty texture. The shrub grows up to 5 m (16 feet) tall and bears alternate, lobed leaves about 2.5 cm (1 inch) long. The yellow, solitary flowers are about 5 cm across.