Status:
valid
Authors:
(N.E.Br.) Friis
Source:
tro
Year:
1983
Citation Micro:
Kew Bull. 38: 226 (1983)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001143523
Common Names
- Obetia Tenax
- Tough Obetia
- Stiff Obetia
Description
Obetia tenax (also called False Nettle, False Nettle Tree, or False Nettle Bush, among many other common names) is a small, evergreen shrub native to Mexico and Central America. It has oval, bright green leaves with serrated edges and grows in a bushy pattern. It is found in shady, humid, and rocky habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Obetia tenax is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also known for its air-purifying properties and ability to reduce indoor air pollution.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Obetia tenax is a small, white, star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedlings are small, green, and have thin, pointed leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Obetia tenax is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. It can be propagated from seed or by division of the rootstock. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Where to Find Obetia tenax
Obetia tenax is native to Central and South America and can be found in tropical and subtropical climates.
Species in the Obetia genus
Species in the Urticaceae family
Archiboehmeria atrata,
Astrothalamus reticulatus,
Australina flaccida,
Australina pusilla,
Australina pusilla,
Boehmeria aspera,
Boehmeria balslevii,
Boehmeria beyeri,
Boehmeria brevirostris,
Boehmeria bullata,
Boehmeria burgeriana,
Boehmeria caudata,
Boehmeria celtidifolia,
Boehmeria clidemioides,
Boehmeria conica,
Boehmeria cylindrica,
Boehmeria densiflora,
Boehmeria depauperata,
Boehmeria didymogyne,
Boehmeria dura,
Boehmeria egregia,
Boehmeria excelsa,
Boehmeria grandis,
Boehmeria hamiltoniana,
Boehmeria helferi,
Boehmeria heterophylla,
Boehmeria holosericea,
Boehmeria japonica,
Boehmeria kiusiana,
Boehmeria kurzii,
Boehmeria lanceolata,
Boehmeria martii,
Boehmeria multiflora,
Boehmeria nakashimae,
Boehmeria nivea,
Boehmeria ourantha,
Boehmeria pavonii,
Boehmeria penduliflora,
Boehmeria pilosiuscula,
Boehmeria platanifolia,
Boehmeria polystachya,
Boehmeria radiata,
Boehmeria ramiflora,
Boehmeria repens,
Boehmeria rugosissima,
Boehmeria siamensis,
Boehmeria sieboldiana,
Boehmeria spicigera,
Boehmeria splitgerbera,
Boehmeria ternifolia,
References
Ib Friis (b.1945): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Friis' in the authors string.