Citation: Krapov., Bonplandia 3:59 (1970).

Synonymy: Malva leprosa Oft., Nov. Pl. Matrit. 8:95 (1798); Sida leprosa (Ort.)Schumann in C. Martius, Fl. Bras. 12, 3:341 (1891); M. hederacea Douglas ex Hook., Fl. bor. Amer. 1:107 (1831); S. hederacea (Douglas ex Hook.)Torrey ex A. Gray, Mem.Amer. Acad. 4:23 (1849); S. leprosa (Ort.)Schumann var. hederacea (Douglas ex Hook.)Schumann in C. Martius, Fl. Bras. 12, 3:343 (1891). , Malvella leprosa

Common name: Alkali sida, ivy-leaved sida, alkali mallow.

Description:
Somewhat herbaceous perennial with a strong tap root and erect to prostrate stems 15-40 cm long, stellate-tomentose or -lepidote, greyish; leaf blades slightly shorter than or up to one and a half times as long as the petioles, reniform or flabellate to ovate, 10-30 x 10-45 mm, broad-cuneate to cordate at the base, with 6-12 irregular teeth/cm, moderately to densely stellate-tomentose.

Flowers 1 or few in the axils of the leaves, on peduncles 5-20 mm long; epicalyx of 3 linear-subulate segments 4-5 mm long; calyx 6-10 mm long, the lobes triangular and acute; petals cream-coloured, 10-15 mm long.

schizocarp depressed-globular, raised in the centre.

	Malvella leprosa twig, styles and stamens, calyx and epicalyx and mericarp.
Image source: fig 439d in Jessop J.P. & Toelken H.R. (Ed.) 1986. Flora of South Australia (4th edn).

Distribution:  S.Aust.: NL, MU, YP.   N.S.W.; Vic..   native to North and South America. Conservation status: naturalised Flowering time: Dec. — May.

SA Distribution Map based on current data relating to specimens held in the State Herbarium of South Australia

Biology: No text

Taxonomic notes: Most authors have recognised two varieties. Fryxell (1974) is followed in not doing so.

Author: Not yet available