Practical
Plants

Sidalcea acuta

a perennial member of the Sidalcea genus in the family Malvaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Family
Malvaceae
Life cycle
perennial
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

One report says that the plant is sometimes used as food[2], but gives no more information. It is most likely that the leaves are used, though the flowers, mature and immature seeds should also be edible[K].

Plant part
Leaves

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

One report says that the plant has medicinal uses[1], but gives no details[K].

Product or use
Miscellany

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A fibre is obtained from the stem[1].

Product or use
Fibre

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Himalayas.
Habitat
Waste ground and scrub forest in Uttar Pradesh[1].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in the spring.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. However, judging by its native range, it is possibly hardy outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a deep fertile well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in full sun or with some shade at the hottest part of the day[3].

References

  1. Gupta. B. L. Forest Flora of Chakrata, Dehra Dun and Saharanpur. Forest Research Institute Press 1945-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  2. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

    ↩

  3. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩

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