N. 0. MALVACEAE. 171 



acuminate, serrate, about 2-3in., linear-lanceolate ; sometimes 

 hoary beneath. Stipules linear-subulate, 2 or 3, sometimes 

 longer than the petiole ; many-nerved. Petiole tVA in. Pedun- 

 cle jointed in the middle, as long as the petiole. Flowers : — 

 Sepals triangular, acute. Calyx-tube subglobose. Petals yellow, 

 twice the length of the Calyx. Staminal-tube dividing at the 

 summit. Corolla of 5 petals, free above and connate below, and 

 adnate to the tube of the stamens. Ovary : — Carpels 5-9, 

 rugose, awned, whorled. Styles as many as the carpels. 

 Stigmas terminal. Fruit a capsule. Seeds solitary, radicle 

 superior. 



Part used : — The root, juice and leaves. 



Use: — By the Sanskrit writers, the roots of the different 

 species of Sida are regarded as cooling, astringent, tonic and 

 useful in nervous and urinary diseases, and also in disorders 

 of the blood and bile (Dutt.) 



In the Concan, the root is applied with Sparrow's dung to 

 burst boils (Dymook). 



The root is intensely bitter, and is prescribed in infusion, 

 and in conjunction with ginger, in cases of intermittent fever. 

 It is considered by the Hindoo practitioners as a valuable 

 stomachic and useful remedy in chronic bowel complaints ; 

 the dose, a small tea-cupful, twice daily. The leaves, made 

 warm and moistened with, a little gingili oil, are employed to 

 hasten suppuration (Ainslie). In Bengal, the expressed juice 

 of the leaves is used in the form of an electuary, in the treat- 

 ment of intestinal worms (O'Shaughnessy). 



The authors of the Bengal Dispensatory, after a trial of 

 the roots, were unable to satisfy themselves as to its febrifuge 

 action, but it was found to promote perspiration, to increase 

 the appetite, and to act as a useful bitter tonic. In Goa, the 

 Portuguese value it as a diuretic, especially in rheumatic affec- 

 tions. They also use it as a demulcent in gonorrhoea, and Muhama- 

 dans believe this to have aphrodisiac properties (Dymock.) 



When administered in the form of a strong decoction, the 

 root of this plant has diaphoretic, antipyretic, stomachic and 



