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An evergren shrub, it grows to a height of 2m with a spread of 2m.
The stem is erect and branching; the leaves are narrowly oval to
rhomboidal, alternate and 7cm long, with serrate margins and a white
undersurface; the flowers are yellow, open and petalled, occurring
in the leaf axils.
A native of Asia, it prefers light to medium, well drained soils in
an open, sunny position, and is drought and frost tender. A very
hardy and fastgrowing plant.
Propagation is by seeds or cuttings. Sow seed 5mm deep in moist but
well-drained seedmix. Should germinate within a few days.
Medical use: Arrowleaf sida has significant medicinal applications
for which it is cultivated throughout India. The pounded leaves are
used to relieve swelling, the fruits are used to relieve headache,
the mucilage is used as an emollient, and the root is used to treat
rheumatism (Parrotta 2001). Australian Aborigines use the herb to
treat diarrhea. Leaves are smoked in Mexico and a tea is prepared in
India for the stimulation it provides |
