Common Name:

General Information

Boehmeria caudata is a spreading shrub or small tree usually growing 2 - 6 metres tall, but sometimes reaching 9 metres[, ].
The plant is sometimes gathered from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of fibre[].
Boehmeria caudata has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

Known Hazards

Although members of the nettle family, plants in this genus do not have stinging hairs[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, southern Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela; C. America - Panama to Mexico; Caribbean - Jamaica

Habitat

Evergreen and mixed forests, usually along the sides of streams and moist ravines, usually at elevations from 500 - 1,500 metres, but sometimes descending to sea level and ascending to 2,550 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Boehmeria caudata is found in a range of climates and elevations in the tropics and subtropics of the Americas. Most commonly growing near rivers, it can be found from sea level to over 2,500 metres and, whilst most common in the moister regions, it is also found in drier forests[].
Species in this genus generally succeed in a warm sandy soil[] that is very well-drained[]. The plant is said to avoid acid soils in the wild[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The root is aperient, depurative and haemostatic[]. An infusion of the roots is taken to relieve urinary infections and induce abortion[].

The leaves are slightly aromatic, diuretic, and mucilaginous. They are applied externally to treat haemorrhoids, and are made into a lotion to treat eye problems[]

The flowers contain essential oils. A tincture made from them can be used as a substitute for that of Arnica[]. (The main use of Arnica tincture is as an external treatment for bruises and sprains[].)

Agroforestry Uses:

Bees are strongly attracted to the flowers[].

Other Uses

A poor quality fibre is obtained from the stems[, ].
The plant provides an abundant, silky and resistant textile fibre, worthy of study and most likely also suitable for industrial use[].

Propagation

Seed -

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