Urticaceae

Urticaceae

The Urticaceae family, commonly known as the nettle family, is a family of flowering plants. The family includes a variety of species, many of which are known for their stinging hairs. The family is part of the order Rosales and includes around 54 genera and 2,625 species.

Description

Members of the Urticaceae family are typically herbaceous plants, shrubs, or small trees. They are characterized by their opposite or alternate leaves, which are often serrated. Many species have stinging hairs that can cause skin irritation upon contact. The flowers are usually small and inconspicuous, often arranged in clusters.

Distribution

The Urticaceae family is cosmopolitan, found in a wide range of habitats from tropical to temperate regions. They are particularly diverse in tropical areas.

Notable Genera and Species

Urtica

The genus Urtica includes the well-known stinging nettles, such as Urtica dioica. These plants are known for their stinging hairs that can cause a painful rash.

Pilea

Pilea is a large genus within the family, including species like Pilea cadierei (aluminum plant) and Pilea pumila (clearweed).

Boehmeria

Boehmeria includes species such as Boehmeria nivea, commonly known as ramie, which is cultivated for its fiber.

Parietaria

Parietaria includes species like Parietaria judaica, known as pellitory-of-the-wall, which is often found growing on walls and rocky areas.

Dendrocnide

Dendrocnide includes species such as Dendrocnide meyeniana, known for its potent stinging hairs.

Uses

Many species in the Urticaceae family have economic importance. Urtica dioica is used in traditional medicine and as a food source. Boehmeria nivea is cultivated for its strong fiber, used in textiles.

Related Pages

• Rosales
• Stinging plant
• Herbaceous plant

References

• Friis, I. (1989). "The Urticaceae: A systematic review." In: Kubitzki, K. (ed.), The Families and Genera of Vascular Plants.
• Mabberley, D.J. (2008). "Mabberley's Plant-book: A Portable Dictionary of Plants, their Classifications, and Uses."

Gallery

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  Urtica dioica flowers
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  Diagram of Urtica flower
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  Pilea cadierei
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  Pilea pumila
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  Toxicodendron radicans (Poison ivy)
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  Elatostema umbellatum
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  Urtica dioica
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  Boehmeria nivea
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  Parietaria judaica
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  Common nettle

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