Sida abutilifolia
Gard. Dict. ed. 8, Sida no. 12. 1768.
Herbs, perennial, 0.3–0.6(–1) m. Stems procumbent, stellate-hairy, hairs multirayed, usually also with simple 1–2 mm hairs. Leaves distributed evenly along stems; stipules inconspicuous, free from petiole, subulate, 1.5–3 mm; petiole 5–15 mm, 1/2 to equaling or exceeding blade, often with simple 1–2 mm hairs; blade ovate to oblong, to 1.5+ cm, 1.5–3 times longer than wide, base cordate, margins crenate to base, apex obtuse to acute, surfaces hairy. Inflorescences axillary solitary flowers. Pedicels slender, 1–2.5 cm, 2–5 times as long as calyx. Flowers: calyx angulate, 4–5(–7) mm, hirsute, lobes ovate-acuminate; petals white, 5–6 (–10) mm; staminal column puberulent; style 5-branched. Schizocarps conic, 4 mm diam., hairy; mericarps 5, 2–3 mm, basal portion slightly rugose, apex spined, spines 0.1–0.5 mm, antrorsely hairy. 2n = 14
Phenology: Flowering year-round.
Habitat: Open, arid areas, disturbed habitats
Elevation: 0–2000 m
Distribution
Ariz., Fla., N.Mex., Okla., Tex., Mexico, West Indies, Central America (Costa Rica, Guatemala), South America (Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Venezuela).
Discussion
Sida abutilifolia is apparently native from the southern United States to northern South America. Within the flora area, the procumbent-prostrate even mat-forming habit with freely branched, long, flexible stems is quite distinctive.
Selected References
None.