Oreocnide frutescens

Oreocnide frutescens (Thunb.) Miq.

Oreocnide frutescens is a shrub or small tree in the Urticaceae family, native to southern and eastern Asia. It grows up to 3 m tall, with purplish brown branchlets and petioles. The plant is known for its fibrous stems used in making ropes and its yellow, sweet-tasting fruits, which resemble the flavor of strawberries. Four subspecies are recognized: subsp. frutescens, subsp. insignis, subsp. nivea, and subsp. occidentalis.

Description

Oreocnide frutescens is a member of the Urticaceae family and is found in regions including Assam, China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. It typically grows as a shrub or small tree, reaching heights of 1 to 3 m. The plant is characterized by its purplish brown branchlets and petioles. Its fibrous stems are utilized for rope-making. The fruits are yellow and have a sweet flavor, often compared to strawberries. The species is divided into four subspecies: subsp. frutescens, subsp. insignis, subsp. nivea, and subsp. occidentalis.

Distribution

Global · Assam · Cambodia · China North-Central · China South-Central · China Southeast · East Himalaya · Japan · Kazan-retto · Korea · Laos · Malaya · Myanmar · Nansei-shoto · Nepal · Pakistan · Thailand · Tibet · Vietnam · West Himalaya