Sida cordata

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A tall herb or small shrub. It grows 1 m tall. The stems are slender and have small hairs. The leaf stalk is 1-3 cm long. The leaf blade is broadly oval and 2-5 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. There are hairs on both sides. The base is wedge shaped and there are teeth along the edge. The flowers usually occur singly in the axils of leaves.

There are about 100 Sida species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is common throughout India. In Nepal it grows between 400-1,800 m above sea level. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, China, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Himalayas, India (country/location of origin), Indochina, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

The tender leaves are eaten as a pot-herb.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bai bo, Bananiyar, Barial, Bariar, Bekkenatalegida, Bhiunli, Bhoybal, Bhuichikna, Bir, Gayapaaku, Jokha sakam, Jongki, Junka, Katasi-ne-gale, Mindilat, Mindilatnari, Palampasi, Rengta, Tandi

Synonyms

Melochia cordata Burm.f.; Sida veronicifolia Lamk.; and others