Family Urticaceae, composed of about 45 genera of herbaceous plants, shrubs, small trees, and a few vines, found mostly in tropical regions.
Many species, especially the nettles ( Urtica ) and Australian nettle trees ( Laportea ), have on their stems and leaves stinging hairs that break the skin and release a fluid that irritates it for hours. Ornamental species include artillery plant ( Pilea microphylla ) and baby tears ( Helxine soleiroli ), both creeping plants. The trumpet tree ( Cecropia peltata ), a species of the New World tropics, has hollow stems that are inhabited by biting ants. Ramie, or China grass ( Boehmeria nivea ), produces a valuable fibre. Some nettles can be cooked and eaten.