Boehmeria japonica
(L. f.) Miq.
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iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) matsu_shino, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) 小铖/Smalltown, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaBoehmeria japonica is a species of flowering plant in the nettle family (Urticaceae). It native to eastern Asia, where it is found in China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Its natural habitat is extremely variable, being found in areas that range from wet to dry, and from shaded to open. It is tolerant of disturbance, and can be found growing on walls and roadsides. It is considered to be a common species in most of Japan.
Description
A herb or small shrub. It grows up to 1.5 m tall. The leaves are opposite and unequal in size. They are round or oval and 7-17 cm long by 6-13 cm wide. There are teeth along the edge.
Edible Uses
The roots and leaves are eaten.
Medicinal Uses
It is used for making ropes and cloth, as agricultural fodder, and medicinally to relieve fever.
Known Hazards
Although members of the nettle family, plants in this genus do not have stinging hairs.
Distribution
In China it grows between 300-600 m in N China and 1,000-1,300 m in SW China. It grows in Yunnan.
Where It Grows
Asia, China, Japan, Korea, North America, USA,
Cultivation
Boehmeria japonica ranges from the temperate zone of central China (hardiness zone 6) to the subtropical and tropical regions of southern China and Taiwan. Species in this genus generally succeed in a warm sandy soil that is very well-drained. Plants are found in a wide variety of habitats in the wild, including swamps in sandy soils plus dry hillsides and walls. Usually a dioecious species, though mainly female plants with some male inflorescences are also known. Female plants are also known to produce seed without fertilization by male pollen (Apomixis). In general both male and female forms need to be grown if seed is required.
Propagation
Seed - sow in pots and only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out when at least 20cm tall. Division. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whilst smaller clumps are best planted in a nursery until they are growing away well. Layering. Basal cuttings. Harvest new shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade until they are rooting well.
Other Uses
A fibre obtained from the stems is used to make ropes and cloth.
Notes
There are about 70 Boehmeria species. They grow in the tropics and subtropics. There are 14 species in tropical America.
Synonyms
References (3)
- Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugduno-Batavum 3:131. 1867
- Flora of China @ efloras.org Volume 5
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
