Rock tree nettle, Mountain nettle
Obetia tenax

Family: Urticaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 2-7 m tall. It has soft wood. The bark is pinkish-brown and smooth. The branches have stinging hairs. Male and female flowers are probably on separate trees. The leaves are simple and alternate. They are round or heart shaped with deep teeth along the edge. The leaves are 5-15 cm long by 3-10 cm wide. They are oval but can have 3 lobes. The flowers are in short clusters in the axils of leaves. They are pinkish-green.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in rocky ravines in bushland. It is often on granite outcrops between 1,000-1,400 m above sea level. It is often in hot dry places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and eaten as a spinach.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bongozimbi, Gukhunya, Lusotfo, Lutontfo, Lutiya, Mountain nettle, Mucucula, Muugana, Muvhazwi, Nmabi, Ruvashe, Thanga, Vuvatsane, Zavhazavha

Synonyms

Urera tenax N. E. Br.;