URTICACEAE
URTICACEAE,
The nettle family is a large family comprising about 54 genera and 2,600 species of herbs, shrubs, small trees, and a few vines, distributed primarily in tropical regions.
ЁЯНВThe stems and leaves of many species in this family, have stinging trichomes (plant hairs) that cause a painful rash upon contact, leading to a condition known as Urticaria in Dermatology (science of skin studies).
ЁЯНВThe leaves of these plants are usually simple and alternate, and they may be toothed or lobed at the margins. The leaves are often 3-nerved from the base and bear stipules . Some species have stinging hairs.
ЁЯНВThe flowers are small, inconspicuous, greenish, unisexual, usually borne in dense, axillary clusters or spikes, usually with 3-5 perianth parts. Male flowers usually have 3–5 stamens and female flowers have a superior ovary and sessile stigma. Both male and female flowers may be borne on the same plant.
ЁЯНВThe fruit is usually a small, dry achene or nut, rarely a fleshy drupe. Seed is one per fruit.
ЁЯНВHabit: Urticaceae plants may be trees, shrubs, or herbs, and they can have a wide range of sizes.
ЁЯНВHabitat: These plants are found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands and wetlands.
In Singapore, there are several species of Urticaceae plants that can be found in the wild. These include:
ЁЯНВLobster Claw Nettle / False Nettle (Boehmeria biloba)
ЁЯНВChinese Grass/ Ramie (Boehmeria nivea)
ЁЯНВTrumpet tree (Cecropia peltata)
ЁЯНВElatostema species
ЁЯНВOyik (Gonostegia hirta) is highly esteemed as a leafy vegetable and a root crop by many indigenous South East Asian communities, some of which are also using the plant and it's tuberous roots as herbal medicine.
ЁЯНВHen's Nettle (Laportea interrupta)
ЁЯНВPilea species
ЁЯНВAustralian Mulberry (Pipturus argenteus)
ЁЯНВMentawan (Poikilospermum suaveolens)
ЁЯНВGraceful Pouzolzsbush (Pouzolzia zeylanica)
ЁЯНВTrailing Watermelon Begonia (Procris repens)
ЁЯНВCommon stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)
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