N. 0. MALVACEAE. 
171 
acuminate, serrate, about 2-3in., linear-lanceolate ; sometimes 
hoary beneath . 4 Stipules linear-subulate, 2 or 3, sometimes 
longer than the petiole ; many-nerv'ed. Petiole tg-rz >"• Pedun- 
cle jointed in the middle, as long as the petiole. Flowerg : — 
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 (Durr.) 
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’Siiaughnessy). 
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 irr gonorrhoea, and Hubama- 
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 
