Laportea macrostachya
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
We have very little information on this plant and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its habitat it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. It should succeed in most soils in semi-shade.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Edible uses
Young leaves - cooked. Some caution should be observed when harvesting this plant since the raw leaves have stinging hairs. It is perfectly safe to eat the leaves when they are cooked, however, since heat completely destroys the sting[K].
Material uses
A fibre obtained from the stem is used for making nets, cordage etc.
Habitat
Woods in mountains, N. Japan.
Native range
E. Asia - Japan.