Description: S. rhombifolia is a short-lived perennial shrub that occurs as a weed of many crops. It has narrowly ovate to lance-shaped leaves with serrated margins and small spines at the base of each leaf, solitary cup-shaped creamy to orange-yellow flowers, and capsule fruits.  

Uses:

• The plant is used as a substitute for marijuana.
• The edible leaves and shoots are eaten as a leafy vegetable.
• The leaves are used as a substitute for soap.   
• The roasted leaves are used to make a tasty beverage. 
• The leaves are macerated and the liquid taken as a sedative and to treat hypertension. 
• The leaves are used to make poultice and antiseptic for ulcers, sores, and wounds. 
• The leaves are used to treat boils.
• The roots are used to treat asthma in babies.
• The roots are used to make an antidote against snake and spider venom.
• The roots are chewed to treat toothache.
• The plant is used to treat gastrointestinal complaints, dysentery, and diarrhoea. 
• The plant is used for malaria, fevers, and inflammation.
• The plant contributes to weight loss. 
• The wood is used to make fishing equipment and doors.
• The plant is used to make brooms to sweep the yard.

References and further reading:

• Bosch, C.H., 2011. Sida rhombifolia L. [Internet] Record from PROTA4U. Brink, M. & Achigan-Dako, E.G. (Editors). PROTA (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa / Ressources végétales de l’Afrique tropicale), Wageningen, Netherlands. <http://www.prota4u.org/search.asp> Accessed 13 September 2023.
• Chaves, O.S., Teles, Y.C.F., Monteiro, M.M.D.O., Mendes Junior, L.D.G., Agra, M.D.F., Braga, V.D.A., Silva, T.M.S. and Souza, M.D.F.V.D., 2017. Alkaloids and phenolic compounds from Sida rhombifolia L.(Malvaceae) and vasorelaxant activity of two indoquinoline alkaloids. Molecules, 22(1), p.94.
• Das, N., Saha, T. and Dinda, B., 2016. A new antifungal aliphatic fatty acid ester from the aerial parts of Sida glutinosa. Chemistry of Natural Compounds, 52, pp.388-390.
• Heinichen, O.Y., Hellión-Ibarrola, M.C., Montalbetti, Y., Velázquez, A.M., Dölz-Vargas, J.H. and Ibarrola, D.A., 2017. Behavioral profile and gastrointestinal evaluation of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Sida rhombifolia L.(typychá hû) in mice. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 7(7), pp.021-029.
• Mah, S.H., Teh, S.S. and Ee, G.C.L., 2017. Anti-inflammatory, anti-cholinergic and cytotoxic effects of Sida rhombifolia. Pharmaceutical biology, 55(1), pp.920-928.
• Rodrigues, F.C. and de Oliveira, A.F.M., 2020. The genus Sida L.(Malvaceae): An update of its ethnomedicinal use, pharmacology and phytochemistry. South African Journal of Botany, 132, pp.432-462.
• Shabangu, T.P., 2021. A comparative study of Swazi and Zulu traditional plant use at Mkhondo and eDumbe, South Africa. University of Johannesburg (South Africa).
• Shackleton, S.E., Dzerefos, C.M., Shackleton, C.M. and Mathabela, F.R., 1998. Use and trading of wild edible herbs in the central lowveld savanna region, South Africa. Economic Botany, 52, pp.251-259.
• Swanepoel, A.* & Nel, L., 1995. Epidemiological aspects of cucumber mosaic virus on flue-cured tobacco in South Africa. African Plant Protection, 1(1), pp.13-18.
• Taak, P., Koul, B., Chopra, M. and Sharma, K., 2021. Comparative assessment of mulching and herbicide treatments for weed management in Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) cultivation. South African Journal of Botany, 140, pp.303-311.