Plant · GBIF taxon 5406735
Cuban Jute
Sida rhombifoliaAlso known as Arrowleaf Sida, Paddy's Lucerne, Jelly Leaf, Queensland Hemp
Cuban jute produces solitary pale yellow or orange-yellow blossoms that open in bright morning sunlight and typically close by early afternoon. Its erect, wiry stems and tough taproot allow it to thrive in heavily grazed pastures, roadsides, and disturbed soils where less resilient plants fail. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, the species holds significant cultural value under the name kurumthotti for its soothing, mucilaginous extracts.
WildflowerSubshrubMedicinal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
- Checkered-skipper caterpillars
- Cotton aphid
- Herbivorous livestock
ThreatsHerbicidal control, intensive cultivation, and mechanical clearing in managed agricultural lands
HabitatsDisturbed ground, roadsides, pastures, waste areas, cultivated fields, and open woodlands
Life spanPerennial or annual depending on climate
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderMalvales
- FamilyMalvaceae
- GenusSida
- SpeciesSida rhombifolia
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Stem Inspection: Strip a leaf or crush a stem gently to observe the mucilaginous sap that gives it the name jelly leaf.
- Morning Photography: Photograph the flowers before midday, as blooms often twist shut under the hot afternoon sun.
Herbivore Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative no rights reserved · cc0
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Same Family (c) anneheathen, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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