Boehmeria macrophylla
Family: Urticaceae
What it is like
Boehmeria macrophylla is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in). It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from September to January. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 2.5
Where it is found
River beds in the sub-Himalayan tract to 1200 metres. Edges of forests, valleys and roadsides at elevations of 100 - 3000 metres in western China.
E. Asia - Himalayas from India to Bhutan, Sikkim and China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
A fibre is obtained from the stem. Of excellent quality, it is used for making sacks, bags, rough clothes, nets, rope etc. The fibre is shiny, white and strong and is used for making nets, sacks and rough clothes. It is possibly useful for textiles. Wood is moderately hard but too small for much use, it makes a good fuel.
Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in the milder parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in a warm sandy soil that is very well-drained. We are not sure if this species is dioecious or monoecious.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a warm greenhouse and only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whilst smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well. Layering. Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the 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 in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Grow them on for their first winter in the cold frame and then plant them out in the summer.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Although members of the nettle family, plants in this genus do not have stinging hairs.