| Boehmeria japonica | |
|---|---|
| |
| variety japonica | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Urticaceae |
| Genus: | Boehmeria |
| Species: | B. japonica
|
| Binomial name | |
| Boehmeria japonica | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Synonymy
| |
Boehmeria 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.[2]
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.[2] It is considered to be a common species in most of Japan.[3]
Description
It is perennial subshrub or herb, growing to 5 m in height. Its leaves are dark green, ovate, and with upwardly-curving teeth.[2] It produces small green flowers in the summer.[4]
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Variety japonica, showing thick leaves with many teeth -
Variety silvestrii, showing three elongated teeth -
Variety tenera, showing glabrous leaves and a single elongated terminal tooth
Taxonomy
Boehmeria japonica is a highly morphologically variable species across it range, due to the presence of both apomixis and polyploidy. Numerous segregates have named in attempts to taxonomically describe this variation. In the most recent treatment of the complex, three integrating varieties are recognized.[2] They are:
- B. japonica var. japonica- with spreading pubescence, leaves larger and thicker-textured; found in warmer areas.
- B. japonica var. silvestrii -leaves glabrous or appressed-pubescent; leaves thin, wide, with three elongated teeth; uncommon.
- B. japonica var. tenera - leaves glabrous or appressed-pubescent; leaves thin, narrow, and with a single long terminal tooth; common.
Uses
It is used for making ropes and cloth, as agricultural fodder, and medicinally to relieve fever.[4]
References
- ^ (Linnaeus f.) Miquel, Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugduno-Batavi. 3: 131. 1867.
- ^ a b c d Wilmot-Dear, C.M.; Friis, I. (2013). "The Old World species of Boehmeria (Urticaceae, tribus Boehmerieae). A taxonomic revision". Blumea. 58 (2): 85–216. doi:10.3767/000651913X674116.
- ^ Ohwi, Jisaburo (1965). Flora of Japan. Smithsonian Institution. p. 391.
- ^ a b Boehmeria japonica Flora of China
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This page was last edited on 30 March 2024, at 14:38