Sida hermaphrodita

Sida hermaphrodita

Sida hermaphrodita or Virginiamalve is a plant of the species-rich genus Sida in the mallow family ( Malvaceae ). It is distributed on dry and sunny locations in North America. Your common name in the distribution area are " Virginia mallow " or " Virginia fanpetals ".

Description

Sida hermaphrodita grows as a perennial herbaceous plant, reaching heights of growth from 1.2 to 3 meters. The stem is highly branched and upright. You. The stalked leaves have a deep lobed leaf blade with three to seven lanceolate lobes, the middle one is the longest. The leaf margin is serrated cut.

The numerous flowers are borne in terminal, paniculate inflorescences. The small white flowers have only a diameter of 1 to 2 centimeters. The calyx lobes are made ​​short and wide. The long egg-shaped petals are pointed.

The flowering period extends from June to October.

Use

The Europe-wide comprehensive experience with the cultivation and use of Sida hermaphrodita are in Poland. Since its introduction in 1955 they have been studied from the Agricultural Academy of Lublin and now grown on about 200 ha in Poland. She is seen as a potential energy crop. For energy pellets, biogas or methanol can be made ​​from the plant. It is a high quality food plant and can be used for producing insulating materials and cellulose. Of the honey production is up to 120 kg per hectare.