| Classification |
| Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order Type: Eudicots-Rosids I
Order: Rosales
Family: Urticaceae
Family Common Name: Nettle Family
Genera: Urtica |
Defining Features: The family
has specialized stinging hairs, which cause much discomfort and irritation
to the skin.
Defining Morphology: Floral
Features: Flowers are unisexual and plants are monoecious or dioecious.
Flowers are small, apetalous, greenish and borne on inflorescences of determinate
panicles, spikes or axillary cymes. Ovaries are superior with basal placentation.
Fruit and Seed Features: Dicotyledon. Fruit is an achene, drupe or small
nut. Seeds often have endosperm. Vegetative Features: Habit as herbs, shrubs,
soft-wooded trees and vines. Leaves are simple and alternate or opposite
with boxy venation. Stipules are present.
Distribution: Worldwide in
temperate and tropical regions.
Economic Use: As source of
fibers in textiles and rope as well as cultivated garden ornamentals.
Number of Genera Globally: 40
Number of Species Globally:
900
