Family: Malvaceae

Sida ciliaris (bracted fanpetals, fringed fanpetals) is a spreading, perennial herb native to Southeastern United States, the West Indies, Mexico, Central America and South America. It has been used for some medicinal purposes in Colombia. It is only found as a naturalized species in Hawaiʻi, on the islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui, Kahoʻolawe. This plant has become an invasive species in the Galapagos and the Philippines. It is a weed of altered human environments, including roadsides and abandoned fields. Its ability to thrive in a range of elevations and climates, especially tropical climates, give it an advantage in terms of growing in the islands.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad latitudinal and elevation range
  
• Grows and spreads in regions with tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kahoolawe (Hawaiian Islands) and elsewhere
  
• A weed of disturbed, or otherwise human-modified habitats, lawns, and roadsides
  
• Other Sida species are invasive weeds
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Able to reach maturity in one growing season
  
• Seeds dispersed as a contaminant of equipment, potentially other items, by lizards (Galapagos), possibly by birds, and intentionally cultivated by people in some locations

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite common occurrence as a disturbance weed, negative impacts are generally not reported
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Palatable to browsing and grazing animals
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Occurs in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit establishment or spread)
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control
  
• Killed by fire (recruits from seed bank)