Scientific name: Sida rhombifolia L.
Family: Malvaceae
Synonym: Sida compressa Wall. ex Mast.
Bengali/Vernacular name: Berela, Kureta.
Tribal name: Waa-she-ney-pawn (Rakhaing).
English name: Queensland hemp, Cuban jute, Jelly leaf.
Description of the plant: An erect undershrub, 30-150 cm tall, with tough hairy stem. Leaves simple, alternate-spiral, ovate-elliptic or rhomboid, obtuse-truncate at the apex, cuneat at the base, margin serrate to create. Flowers axillary, solitary or in cymose cluster of 2-5, colour yellow to orange. Fruits a schizocarp, enclosed in the calyx.
Plant parts used: Whole plant (without root).
Medicinal uses: Paste prepared from plant is applied to heads for treatment of baldness and also applied to treat scabies.
Distribution: It is found throughout the country.
Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….
