Particulars

Arboretum name: Mao: Ramie
Japanese name: Nanbankaramushi
Species / Family: Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich./Urticaceae
Okinawan name: Māū, Bū

Plant Characteristics

Nanbankaramushi, or Boehmeria nivea is a perennial plant growing 1–2 meters tall, with small haired leaves. Found in southern East Asia, including Japan and China, and Polynesia, the Nanbankaramushi grows across the Okinawan islands, particularly over mountain fields. The cultivated species are specially selected from the wild species, and present distinguishing features such as highly durable fibers. Because the cultivated species lose their authentic plant quality as the number of nodes in the stems increases, they are grown in places that are not exposed to strong wind. This particular type belongs to the Urticaceae family, numbering 10-20 species in Japan. It is difficult however to classify these species due to their numerous variations. Showa-mura in Fukushima Prefecure is known as the only place on mainland Japan that cultivates Nanbankaramushi.

Uses

Bark: Textiles, Charms
Stems/Leaves: Medicine, Animal Feed 　

Calendar of best viewing periods

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