Status:
valid
Authors:
(Turcz.) Standl.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1923
Citation Micro:
Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 23: 804 (1923)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000452187
Common Names
- Melochia urticifolia
- Nettle-Leaf Melochia
- Nettle-Leaf False Cotton
Synonyms
- Riedlea urticifolia Turcz. [unknown]
Description
Melochia urticifolia (also called White Mallow, among many other common names) is an annual or perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia. It has a woody stem and grows up to 1.5 meters tall. It is found in dry grasslands, scrub, and open woodlands.
Uses & Benefits
Melochia urticifolia is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. It is also used to treat skin conditions and as an aphrodisiac. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Melochia urticifolia has white flowers with five petals and yellow centers. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings are small and have thin, green stems.
Cultivation and Propagation
Melochia urticifolia is a perennial plant that can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown in containers or in the ground. It is drought tolerant and can be pruned to maintain its shape.
Where to Find Melochia urticifolia
Melochia urticifolia is native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. It can be found in moist, shaded areas such as rainforests and can be purchased from online nurseries.
Melochia urticifolia FAQ
What is the scientific name of Melochia urticifolia?
Melochia urticifolia
What is the common name of Melochia urticifolia?
Nettle-leaved Melochia
What is the natural habitat of Melochia urticifolia?
Tropical forests of Southeast Asia
Species in the Melochia genus
Melochia villosa,
Melochia manducata,
Melochia makateaensis,
Melochia lupulina,
Melochia longidentata,
Melochia kerriifolia,
Melochia hermannioides,
Melochia hassleriana,
Melochia graminifolia,
Melochia nudiflora,
Melochia nodiflora,
Melochia mollipila,
Melochia melissifolia,
Melochia mollis,
Melochia caracasana,
Melochia arenosa,
Melochia bissei,
Melochia crenata,
Melochia corchorifolia,
Melochia urticifolia,
Melochia ulmifolia,
Melochia pyramidata,
Melochia pulverulenta,
Melochia pterocarpa,
Melochia pilosa,
Melochia parvifolia,
Melochia parhamii,
Melochia tomentosa,
Melochia sergipana,
Melochia trujilloi,
Melochia longebracteolata,
Melochia betsiliensis,
Melochia anomala,
Melochia argentina,
Melochia betonicifolia,
Melochia chamaedrys,
Melochia illicioides,
Melochia lanata,
Melochia lanceolata,
Melochia simplex,
Melochia splendens,
Melochia tomentella,
Melochia leucantha,
Melochia peruviana,
Melochia bernoulliana,
Melochia goldbergii,
Melochia morongii,
Melochia thymifolia,
Melochia speciosa,
Melochia canescens,
Species in the Malvaceae family
Abelmoschus angulosus,
Abelmoschus caillei,
Abelmoschus crinitus,
Abelmoschus esculentus,
Abelmoschus ficulneus,
Abelmoschus hostilis,
Abelmoschus magnificus,
Abelmoschus manihot,
Abelmoschus moschatus,
Abelmoschus muliensis,
Abelmoschus sagittifolius,
Abelmoschus enbeepeegearensis,
Abroma augustum,
Abutilon abutiloides,
Abutilon affine,
Abutilon alii,
Abutilon amplum,
Abutilon andrewsianum,
Abutilon andrieuxii,
Abutilon anglosomaliae,
Abutilon angulatum,
Abutilon anodoides,
Abutilon appendiculatum,
Abutilon arenarium,
Abutilon arequipense,
Abutilon auritum,
Abutilon austroafricanum,
Abutilon badium,
Abutilon balansae,
Abutilon bastardioides,
Abutilon benedictum,
Abutilon berlandieri,
Abutilon bidentatum,
Abutilon bracteosum,
Abutilon buchii,
Abutilon burandtii,
Abutilon bussei,
Abutilon californicum,
Abutilon calliphyllum,
Abutilon carinatum,
Abutilon coahuilae,
Abutilon commutatum,
Abutilon cryptopetalum,
Abutilon cuspidatum,
Abutilon densiflorum,
Abutilon dinteri,
Abutilon dispermum,
Abutilon divaricatum,
Abutilon dugesii,
Abutilon durandoi,