Biology:Elatostema

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Short description: Genus of flowering plants

Elatostema
Elatostema umbellatum 2006.04.19 06.17.14-p4190208.jpg
Elatostema involucratum
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Urticaceae
Tribe: Elatostemateae
Genus: Elatostema
J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.
Species

See text

Elatostema is a genus of flowering plants containing approximately 350 known species in the nettle family Urticaceae,[1] native to tropical forest clearings throughout Australasia, Asia and Africa.[2] There may be as many as 1,000 species of this little-known genus, which is susceptible to deforestation and other forms of human exploitation. Some species, for instance the recently discovered E. fengshanense, show unusual adaptations to growing in deep shade in caves. DNA analysis suggests that the three genera Elastostema, Pellionia, and Pilea be grouped together as one.[3]

Elatostema repens and E. pulchra are cultivated as houseplants in temperate regions. E. repens[4] and E. repens var. pulchrum[5] have gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.[6]

Selected species

References

Wikidata ☰ Q147635 entry