About Sida rhombifolia L.
This species, scientifically named Sida rhombifolia L., has branched stems that grow between erect and sprawling habits, reaching 50 to 120 centimeters in height, with woody lower stem sections. Its dark green, diamond-shaped leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, measuring 4 to 8 centimeters long. Leaf petioles are less than one-third the length of the leaf blade. The lower leaf surface is paler and covered in short, grayish hairs. The apical half of each leaf has toothed or serrated margins, while the basal half has smooth margins. Small spiny stipules grow at the base of each petiole. Sida rhombifolia is native to tropical and subtropical regions ranging from Africa through India and Southeast Asia to Japan, as well as Indonesia and the Philippines. It has been introduced to tropical and subtropical areas of North America, South America, Australia, Pacific islands, and parts of Europe. This species most often grows on disturbed waste ground including roadsides, rocky areas, stock camps, and rabbit warrens. It can become a competitive weed in pastures, since it is unpalatable to livestock. It also grows in savannahs, thick scrub, hillsides, and swampy woodlands, and as a tropical species it occurs only at elevations below 2,000 meters above sea level. The stems of arrowleaf sida (Sida rhombifolia) are used to make rough cordage, sacking, and brooms. Stems produce high-quality fiber, and was historically exported from India and other regions as “hemp”. Chemical analysis has found that the leaves contain notable nutrient levels: 74,000 to 347,000 ppm protein, 94,000 to 475,000 ppm carbohydrates, 33,000 to 167,000 ppm fiber, 14,000 to 71,000 ppm fat, and 16,000 to 81,000 ppm ash. One study recorded 450 ppm total alkaloids in the roots, along with ephedrine and saponin. Another source reports the root contains 0.1 percent total alkaloids, including choline, pseudoephedrine, beta-phenethylamine, vascin, hipaphorine, and related indole alkaloids. The presence of these compounds is thought to contribute to the species’ unpalatability to cattle. Arrowleaf sida has well-documented medicinal uses, and it is cultivated for medicinal purposes across India. Pounded leaves are used to reduce swelling, fruits are used to ease headaches, mucilage from the plant is used as an emollient, and roots are used to treat rheumatism. In Mexico, the leaves are smoked, and in India a stimulating tea is prepared from the leaves.
