Class
Classification
Subordinate Taxa
Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Urticaceae
Synonymy:
- = Cecropiaceae
Description
Herbs, shrubs, soft-wooded trees, or rarely climbers, often with stinging hairs; latex 0. Lvs opposite or alternate, simple, usually stipulate. Fls usually unisexual, apetalous, in cymes. Perianth 4–5-merous, often persistent. ♂ fls with (1)–4–5 stamens opposite the perianth segments and usually inflexed in bud, sometimes straight, often with rudimentary ovary; anthers 2-celled. ♀ fls often with small staminodes. Ovary superior, 1-locular, free or adnate to perianth; style simple; ovule solitary, erect. Fr. usually an achene, rarely a drupe. Seeds usually with endosperm; embryo straight.
[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]
Biostatus
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Indigenous (Endemic) | 5 |
| Indigenous (Non-endemic) | 4 |
| Exotic: Fully Naturalised | 6 |
| Exotic: Casual | 3 |
| Total | 18 |
Bibliography
Connor, H.E. 1977: The Poisonous Plants in New Zealand. Edition 2. Government Printer, Wellington.
Connor, H.E.; Fountain, J. 2009: Plants that Poison: A New Zealand Guide. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.
Cronquist, A. 1988: The evolution and classification of flowering plants. The New York Botanic Gardens, New York.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.
