Maasai stinging nettle
Urtica massaica
Family: Urticaceae
What it is like
It is a stinging nettle. It is like Urtica simensis but is more robust and has double teeth around the edges of the leaves. It is a herb that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 2 m high. The stinging hairs are 2 mm long. The leaf stalks are 4.5 cm long. The leaf blades are 7-13 cm long by 6-11 cm wide. There are double teeth along the edge. The flowers are of one sex. The fruit is oval, flattened and dry. It is 1 mm long.
Caution: It can be a serious weed problem.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. In Kenya it grows in moist bushland between 1,500-3,250 m altitude. It grows in loose soils with plenty of organic matter.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Burundi, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda
How it is used for food
The young leaves are wilted, boiled and eaten as a vegetable.
It is fairly commonly used in some places. It is a minor local vegetable.
Edible parts
Leaves, vegetable
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or sections of rhizomes. Old plants can be cut back to stimulate new leaves.
Leaves are harvested with gloves to protect the hands. They are collected during the rainy season.
Its other names
Local names
Ekicuraganyi, Endamejoi, Entameijoi, Ilmbasa, Ivasha, Ivava, Mpupu, Olnyai, Orugenyi, Siweek, Tufia