Urticaceae
	Genera : 50 Species: 700    Genus directories: Dendrocnide Elatostema Laportea Urtica

Distribution: Worldwide in temperate and tropical regions

Economic Uses: A source of fibers in textiles and rope as well as an ornamental.

Defining Features of Interest: The family has specialized stinging hairs which cause much discomfort and irritation to the skin.

Fossil Evidence: Leaf imprints from the Eocene.

Defining Morphology

Floral Features : Unisexual and monoecious or dioecious. Flowers are small and greenish and borne on inflorescences of panicles, spikes or axillary cymes. Apetalous.

Fruit and Seed Features : Fruit is an achene, drupe or small nut. Seed has endosperm present. Placentation is basal.

Vegetative Features : Habit is as shrubs or soft-wooded trees. Leaves are simple and alternate or opposite. Stipules are present.