Girardinia diversifolia


Girardinia diversifolia, commonly known as the Himalayan nettle or Nilghiri nettle, is a plant species with a wide native range across southern and eastern Asia and across most of tropical Africa and Madagascar. It grows naturally at elevations between.

Description

It is a shade tolerant, tall, stout and erect herb growing to 1.5 to 3 metres height with perennial rootstock. The plant grows as a clump, and each clump has many stems. The stem contains bast fibre of unique quality which is strong, smooth and light.
Like many other nettles in the family Urticaceae, the leaves have stinging hairs; in this species, they are potent, and can give an extremely painful rash and swelling which can last for a week or more.
It most frequently occurs in the hilly and mountainous regions at altitudes up to 3000 m.
Three subspecies are accepted:
  • Girardinia diversifolia subsp. diversifolia
  • Girardinia diversifolia subsp. suborbiculata C.J.Chen & Friis
  • Girardinia diversifolia subsp. triloba C.J.Chen & Friis

Uses

Traditional users of Allo are ethnic groups from across Nepal, including the Kulung, Gurung, Magar, Rai and Tamang people. Allo products are culturally important to both the Gurung and the Rai. It is also sold for commercial and non-religious purposes. Non-fibre uses of the plant range from fodder and fuel wood, to use as a live fence and in traditional medicines. Allo fibre is very flexible and has high tenacity, allowing it to be used in a multitude of applications ranging from clothing and bags to floor mats and rope. Fibres made from allo are fully biodegradable.