Most leaves and stalks are arranged across opposite sides of the stem. Their often quadrangular stems are unbranched or branched, erect, ascending or spreading. The perennial species have underground rhizomes. They can reach, depending on the type, location and nutrient status, a height of 10–300 centimetres (3.9–118.1 in). Urtica species grow as annuals or perennial herbaceous plants, rarely shrubs. The generic name Urtica derives from the Latin for sting. Urtica species are food for the caterpillars of numerous Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), such as the tortrix moth Syricoris lacunana and several Nymphalidae, such as Vanessa atalanta, one of the red admiral butterflies. Many species have stinging hairs and may be called nettles or stinging nettles, although the latter name applies particularly to Urtica dioica. Urtica is a genus of flowering plants in the family Urticaceae.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |