Balai grand (Sida linifolia, Diss. 1: 14 (1785))

Family: Malvaceae

Author: Juss. ex Cav.

Bibliography: Diss. 1: 14 (1785)

Year: 1785

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sida

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America, Trop. Africa

Description

Balai grand, scientifically known as Sida linifolia, is an intriguing plant species belonging to the Malvaceae family. Described initially by Jussieu and later detailed by Cavanilles in 1785, this plant captures interest due to its unique distribution and characteristics.

Thriving predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions, Balai grand demonstrates noteworthy adaptability. It is commonly found throughout tropical and subtropical areas of America and spans across tropical Africa as well. This widespread growth across diverse climatic zones suggests a high level of resilience and ecological versatility within its natural habitats.

The plant itself contributes significantly to the biodiversity of these regions. Its presence in varied locations underlines its robust nature and ability to coexist with a range of other plant species. By studying Sida linifolia, researchers and botanists can gain deeper insights into the ecological dynamics of the areas it inhabits, as well as the evolutionary traits that allow it to flourish in such diverse environments.

As a member of the Malvaceae family, Balai grand shares characteristics with other plants in this group known for their economic and ecological importance. The family includes a variety of species, some of which are cultivated for their fibers, ornamental value, or medicinal properties. While Balai grand itself might not be as widely known, its role within the ecosystem and potential uses warrant further exploration and appreciation.

In summary, Sida linifolia, commonly referred to as Balai grand, stands out as a significant plant species within the Malvaceae family. Its presence across tropical and subtropical America and tropical Africa signifies its ecological importance and potential uses, offering a promising area of study for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Eng: flaxleaf fanpetals, balai grand
Fra: balai guad
Spa: hoja de lanceta, trebol sabanero
En: Balai grand, Flaxleaf fanpetals
Fr: Balai guad
Es: Trebol sabanero, Lengua de pajaro, Hoja de lanceta

Synonyms

• Sida angustissima (Miq.)
• Sida graminifolia (Rich.)
• Sida linearifolia (Thonn.)
• Sida viminea (Fisch. ex Link)
• Sida campii (Vell.)
• Sida longifolia (Brandegee)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Belize (native)
• Benin (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Congo (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Mali (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Niger (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Togo (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• Thailand (introduced)

Additional Images

Other

Taken Aug 11, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 15, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 29, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 11, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2021 by jo arau (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 29, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 11, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 15, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 15, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Aug 11, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2022 by cristian gaviria londoño (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2021 by jo arau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2020 by Yoannis Domínguez (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 19, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 19, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:563888-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5406748)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sida linifolia Juss. ex Cav.)

Specifications

Growth