Cecropiaceae

The Urticaceae are a family, the nettle family, of flowering plants. The family name comes from the genus Urtica. The Urticaceae family includes a number of well-known and useful plants, including nettles in the genus Urtica, Ramie (Boehmeria nivea), māmaki (Pipturus albidus), and ajlai (Debregeasia saeneb). The family includes about 2,625 species, grouped into 53 genera. The largest genera are Pilea (500 to 715 species), Elatostema (300 species), Urtica (80 species), and Cecropia (75 species). Cecropia contains many myrmecophytes. Urticaceae species can be found worldwide, but most species are found in tropical ecosystems, especially tropical Asia. DescriptionUrticaceae species can be herbs (e.g. Urtica, Parietaria), shrubs(e.g. Pilea), hemi-epiphytes, or, rarely, trees (Dendrocnide, Cecropia). Their leaves are usually entire and bear stipules. Urticating hairs are often present. Stinging trichomes on the leaves break upon contact, imbedding a sharp tip into animal skin which is filled with an irritating liquid. This liquid consists of compounds such as histamines and acetylcholines that create an irritating skin reaction. These urticating trichomes are an herbivory defense again