Urticaceae

Nettle Family

Boehmeria virgata var. scabrell

(Roxb.) Friis & Wilmot-Dear

Rough False-leaf Nettle

Nepali: Kaamle or Dhaadale or Chalnee sisnu

This is a small shrub growing on the road next to a seepage. The spiraling pinkish flowers are found along a leafless stem. The ovate leaves are highly toothed along the edges. They make seeds along the raceme. They bloom from July to September at elevations ranging from 1500 to 1300m.

Girardinia diversifolia (Link) Frii

Indian Stinging Nettle

Nepali: Allo Sisnu or Bhyaangre Sisnu or Chaalne Sisnu

Avoid this one at all costs it packs a good sting. The more popular name, Bichchhoo, means scorpion in Hindi. It grows next to the pond near the top of Phulchowki. It is a large plant with distinctive leaves that are needle-covered.  Medicinal value as nettle tea, once boiled it acts as a diuretic, anti-rheumatic, and used for nursing mothers. Other parts of the plant are good for fiber or paper.

Lecanthus peduncularis (Wall. ex Royle) Wedd.

Stalked Dischead

Nepali: Gakaleti, Ganthe Golia or Goliko

This small herb is widespread in the Himalayas from Pakistan across southeast Asia. It is found in many places along the Phulchowki road from the bottom at 1600m to the top at 2780m. Flowers show up in July and continue through September. Its round flower heads are easy to see and they tend to grow in clumps. The medicinal use is in the roots, which are ground and applied to sprains.