Yellow ‘Ilima
Sida fallax
- Native to:
- Caroline Is., Gilbert Is., Guam, Hawaii, Line Is., Marianas, Marquesas, Marshall Is., Nauru, Palau, Phoenix Is., Society Is., Tuamotu, Tubuai Is., Tuvalu, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, United States, Wake I.
Stefan Kropidlowski, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Malvaceae
- Genus:
- Sida
- Species:
- Sida fallax
- USDA Symbol:
- SIFA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jan,feb,mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov,dec
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, orange
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Philodoria marginestrigata
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from roots after fire or cutting; common in disturbed coastal and dry habitats.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in coastal areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Scarification of seed coat improves germination rates. Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: For seeds: Soak overnight in water. For cuttings: Cut plants into desired lengths, at least 3 nodes per strand (6-8 inches in length). Place about 3 strands in each pot. Use rooting hormone to increase rooting percentages.
Establishment: Plant is indigenous to Hawai'i and widespread on Pacific islands to China. It is no longer found on Midway Atoll. Propagation material would have to be secured from any of the main islands. The plant can be propagated both from seeds and cuttings.
Source: npn.rngr.net