Ramie, Chinese Grass, Chinese Silk Plant

Boehmeria nivea

Physical Characteristics

Boehmeria nivea is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from September to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China to the Himalayas of Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Edible portion: Root, Leaves, Seeds – oil. Root - peeled and boiled. A pleasant, sweet taste[ 179 ]. We can detect very little flavour, but the root has a very strange mucilaginous texture that does not appeal to most people who have tried it[ K ]. Once in the mouth, it takes a lot of chewing before it is ready to be swallowed[ K ]. The leaves are used for making cakes[ 283 ]. This report could refer to the plants use as a poultice[ K ]. They are also used as a dye to make black rice cake.

Medicinal Uses

Antiphlogistic Astringent Demulcent Diuretic Febrifuge Haemostatic Poultice Resolvent Vulnerary Women's complaints Antiphlogistic, demulcent, diuretic, febrifuge, haemostatic and vulnerary. Used to prevent miscarriages and promote the drainage of pus[ 147 , 178 ]. The leaves are astringent and resolvent[ 218 , 240 ]. They are used in the treatment of fluxes and wounds[ 218 ]. The root contains the flavonoid rutin[ 283 ]. It is antiabortifacient, antibacterial, cooling, demulcent, diuretic, resolvent and uterosedative[ 218 , 283 ]. It is used in the treatment of threatened abortions, colic of pregnancy, haemorrhoids, leucorrhoea, impetigo etc[ 283 ]. The fresh root is pounded into a mush and used as a poultice[ 283 ].

Known Hazards

Although members of the nettle family, plants in this genus do not have stinging hairs[235].