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Dendrocnide stimulans

(L.f.) Chew

Malay nettle tree

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(c) Yusran E. Ritonga, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Yusran E. Ritonga

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Wild Sumatra, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Ganjar Cahyadi, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

Description

A tropical shrub in the nettle family (Urticaceae), commonly known as the Malay nettle tree.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The seeds are edible.

Medicinal Uses

The sap is drunk to relieve a cough. A decoction of leaves and roots is drunk as an anthelmintic in case of a hard swollen stomach, constipation and yellow eyes. The leaves or roots are commonly used for poulticing..

Known Hazards

The plant has irritant, stinging hairs.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Indonesia, SE Asia, Thailand,

Cultivation

Plants in this genus are essentially lowland primary forest species preferring slightly moist and somewhat shady habitats. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Propagation

Seed - easy. Cuttings root easily - simply thrusting a branch into moist ground will usually result in it rooting.

Other Uses

The sap is occasionally used as a hair wash. The wood is very soft.

Synonyms

Dendrocnide costata Miq.Laportea stimulans (L.f.) Miq.Urtica stimulans L.f.and othera

Also Known As

Jelatang ruso

References (2)

  • Hariyadi, B., 2008, The Entwined Tree: Traditional Natural Resource Management of Serampas, Jambi, Indonesia. Ph. D thesis. Univ. or Hawaii. p 402 (As Laportea stimulans)
  • World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

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