Urtica massaica
Urtica massaica is a species of flowering plant in the Urticaceae (nettle family) known by many English names, including Maasai stinging nettle and forest nettle.[1] It is native to Africa, where it can be found in Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.[1]
| Urtica massaica | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Urticaceae |
| Genus: | Urtica |
| Species: | U. massaica |
| Binomial name | |
| Urtica massaica | |
This plant is a rhizomatous perennial herb up to 2 meters tall. It is covered in stinging hairs. The heart-shaped leaves are up to 13 centimeters long by 10.5 wide and have serrated edges. The plant is dioecious. The flowers are borne in panicles.[1]
This plant is used for food and medicine in several African nations. It is used in Rwanda to treat diarrhea.[2] The Maasai use it to treat stomach ache. They are used in Kenya to treat malaria. Other medicinal uses include treatment of fractures and venereal diseases.[1]
The plant is also used to repel rats and to keep cattle out of crops.[1]
References
- Grubben, G. J. H., Ed. Plant Resources of Tropical Africa: Vegetables. PROTA 2004 pg 540.
- Alphonse, N., et al. (2008). Chemical study of the stems of Urtica massaica, a medicinal plant eaten by mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda. Research Journal of Applied Sciences 3(7) 514-20.