Ramie

Boehmeria nivea Urticaceae

Other names

Chinese Silk Plant, China Grass

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Cultivated as annual

Native distribution

Japan to Malyasia

Biocultural value

Stems yield a high quality natural fiber.

Location

Robison Herb Garden

Source of plant

Unknown

Description

Monoecious perennial herb to 2m; stems densely sericeious to hispid, sometimes becoming woody at base. Leaves 7-15x6-12cm, alternate, oval, long-acuminate, serrate, densely white-tomentose beneath. Inflorescence a densely branched panicle; flowers green. Fruit 1mm.

USDA Hardiness Zone

7

Special characteristics

tender perennial, fiber