Definition

Noun 1. A tropical and subtropical plant: A herbaceous plant (Sida rhombifolia) widely found in tropical and subtropical regions. It is valued for its strong, soft bast fiber, which is tougher than jute, and is used for forage and medicinal purposes as a demulcent. It can also be an invasive weed.

Usage Examples

• The durable cord was made from queensland hemp.
• Farmers sometimes use queensland hemp as forage for livestock.
• Due to its rapid growth, queensland hemp can become an aggressive weed in cultivated fields.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical context: The term is used in botanical and agricultural texts to describe the specific plant species , often noting its dual nature as a useful resource and a potential pest.
• Historical/Industrial context: It may appear in historical accounts discussing traditional fiber sources or in studies comparing the tensile strength of natural fibers.

Variants and Related Words

• Common Names: The plant is also regionally known as Paddy's lucerne, jelly leaf, or arrowleaf sida.
• Scientific Name: .
• Related Fiber Plants: jute, kenaf, hemp (true hemp, ).

Synonyms

• Botanical synonym: .
• Descriptive synonyms: arrowleaf sida, jelly leaf (when referring to the same plant species).

Notes on Meaning

• Not True Hemp: It is critical to note that "queensland hemp" is not related to true hemp (), which is used for textiles, nutrition, and other purposes. They are different plant species with different properties.
• Dual-Use Plant: The definition highlights its contrasting uses: as a beneficial plant (for fiber and medicine) and as a problematic weed.

Noun

1. herb widely distributed in tropics and subtropics used for forage and medicinally as a demulcent and having a fine soft bast stronger than jute; sometimes an aggressive weed