Plants of
South Australia
Sida intricata
Malvaceae
Tangled Sida,
Twiggy Sida
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Regional Species Conservation Assessments per IBRA subregion.
Least concern
Near threatened
Rare
Vulnerable
Endangered
Critically endangered
Extinct
Data deficient
Adelaide
Arkaroola
Ceduna
Coober Pedy
Hawker
Innamincka
Marla
Marree
Mount Gambier
Oodnadatta
Renmark
Wudinna
Keith
Yunta
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Botanical art

Kath Alcock painting: 1

Prior names

Sida intricata var. subspinosa, partly

Sida corrugata var. intricata

Common names

Tangled Sida

Twiggy Sida

Etymology

Sida a Greek name used by Theophrastus for a water-lily, probably in reference to Nymphaea alba or for a pomegranate tree. Linnaeus transferred the name to Malvaceae suppressing its primary, pre-Linnaean application. Intricata from the Latin 'intrico' meaning entangled; referring to its numerous tangled woody branches.

Distribution and status

Found in the northern part of South Australia, growing on heavier loam and clay loam soils in a variety of habitats. Also found in all mainland states. Native. Rare in Victoria. Uncommon in the Northern Territory. Common in the other states.
Herbarium regions: North Western, Lake Eyre, Nullarbor, Gairdner-Torrens, Flinders Ranges, Eastern, Eyre Peninsula, Northern Lofty, Murray, Southern Lofty, Green Adelaide
NRM regions: Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges, Alinytjara Wilurara, Eyre Peninsula, Northern and Yorke, South Australian Arid Lands, South Australian Murray-Darling Basin
AVH map: SA distribution map (external link)

Plant description

Much-branched, sprawling or upright, wiry herb or shrub to 30 cm high and wide, with numerous tangled woody branches with a spine-like tip, hairy when young. Leaves alternate, small, elliptical to ovate, to 9 mm long and 6 mm wide, grey-green, paler below, margin broadly toothed. Inflorescences solitary in leaf axils with yellow flowers. Flowers throughout the year depending on rainfall. Fruits are brown depressed-ovoid or conical, smooth and very thin-walled fruit to 4 mm long, shortly or densely hairy, with 5-8 segments. Seed embryo type is folded.

Seed collection and propagation

Collect seeds between January and December. Collect mature fruits, those that are turning pale straw colour and contain dark hard seeds. Place the capsules in a tray and leave to dry for two weeks. Then rub the capsules gently with a rubber bung or by hand to dislodge the seeds. Use a sieve to separate the unwanted material. Store the seeds with a desiccant such as dried silica beads or dry rice, in an air tight container in a cool and dry place. This species has physical dormancy that needs to be overcome for the seed to germinate (e.g. nicking or softening the seed coat).

We acknowledge the contributions of the South Australian Seed Conservation Centre, the Botanic Gardens of South Australia, and the Department for Environment and Water.