Common Fanpetals
Sida ulmifolia
The stems are incredibly fibrous and strong; in many cultures, they are bundled together to create durable outdoor brooms.
- Scientific name
- Sida ulmifolia
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Malvales › Malvaceae › Sida
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Disturbed areas, roadsides, pastures, and open grasslands.
- Diet
- Autotroph (Photosynthesis)
- Range
- Central America, South America, Caribbean, Southern United States, Tropical Africa, Southeast Asia
- Size
- 0.5 to 1.5 meters in height
- Lifespan
- 2-5 years (Perennial)
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Widespread use of non-selective herbicides and intensive monoculture farming.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. This plant is non-toxic and often used in traditional crafts. If found in urban areas, avoid ingestion due to potential soil contaminants or pesticides.
Photo: stinger, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
Plain-text version: /species/0c8c2e81-c960-4f65-b953-b2b3be31c00c.md