Sida (genus) Information & Sida (genus) Links at HealthHaven.com

For the cladoceran (water flea) genus, see Sida (crustacean). "Sida" is also a Nigerian name for Gabon Nut (Coula edulis).

Sida is a genus of flowering herbs and subshrubs in the Mallow family (Malvaceae). It contains 125 to 150 species, or even some 200 according to other authorities^{[citation needed]}. These plants are of worldwide distribution, mostly found in the tropics and subtropics, although some species extend into temperate regions.

The name Sida was adopted by Carolus Linnaeus from the writings of Theophrastus, who used it for Nymphaea alba.

Arrowleaf Sida (S. rhombifolia) supposedly has edible leaves. Country Mallow (S. cordifolia) contains ephedrine and is of some commercial importance for use in ayurvedic medicine. Members of this genus are occasionally planted to attract butterflies; Country Mallow and S. acuta are for example popular with the Crimson Rose (Atrophaneura hector).

Sida species are also used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera. These include Lemon Pansy (Junonia lemonias), Great Eggfly (Hypolimnas bolina) and Indian Grizzled Skipper (Spialia galba) which have all been found on Arrowleaf Sida, and Chionodes mariona.

The Sida golden mosaic virus and Sida golden yellow vein virus have been first isolated from Sida species; the former specifically from Sida santaremensis