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Urticaceae (Genus comprising about thirty)

A genus comprising about thirty species of greenhouse or hardy, annual or perennial herbs, rarely shrubby at base, armed with stinging hairs; they are broadly dispersed over temperate and sub--temperate regions. Flowers monoecious or dioecious; clusters cymulose, spicate, racemose, or paniculate; inflorescence unisexual or androgynous. Leaves opposite, petiolate, toothed or incised-lobed. The British Flora includes U. dioica (the young leaves of which are a good pot-herb), U. pilulifera (the most virulent native Nettle), and U. urens. The stinging effects of U. urentissimaa (Devil's Leaf), a native of Timor, are said to be so violent as to last for twelve months, and sometimes to cause death. Many species produce excellent fibre, and several are considered to possess medicinal properties. None are of any horticultural value.

U. involucrata (involucred). A synonym of Pilea pubescens. U. reticulata (reticulated). A synonym of Pilea reticulata.