Introduction to Urtica membranacea
Urtica Membracea, Commonly known as membranous nettle, long nettle u white nettle, is an annual plant belonging to the Urticaceae family. It is distinguished by its leaves, which are provided only with stinging hairs, and its flower clusters, which give the species unique characteristics, differentiating it from other nettles such as Urtica dioica.
This species is widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean region and the Iberian Peninsula, especially in coastal and near-shore areas, preferring locations with moderate humidity and partial shade. Its ethnobotanical value, medicinal properties, and practical applications have made it a staple in both popular culture and the scientific world.
Vernacular Names and Taxonomy
- In Spanish: white nettle, stinging nettle, skirt nettle, long nettle
- In Portuguese: caudas urtica
- In Galician: nettle, nettle, stinging nettle
- In Basque: asuna
- In Catalan: membranous nettle
Etymology: "Urtica" comes from Latin and means "nettle," while "membranacea" refers to its membranous appearance.
Main synonyms:
- Urtica caudata Vahl
- Urtica dubia Forssk.
- Urtica lusitanica Loaf.
- Urtica membranecea var. horrible Willk.
- Urtica membranecea var. subinermis Sennen
Taxonomic classification:
- Domain: eukarya
- Kingdom: Plant
- Division: Streptophyta
- Class: Magnoliopside
- Order: Urticals
- Family: Urticaceae.
- Gender: Urtica
Detailed Botanical Description
Urtica Membracea It is an annual, generally monoecious species that can reach between 15 and 150 cm in height. It is easily recognized by the following characteristics:
- Sheets: Opposite, 20-120 by 15-100 mm, ovate or cordate-lanceolate, acuminate, with a rounded or slightly cordate base, serrated-toothed, with teeth as long as they are wide. The upper surface is glabrous except for urticating hairs, and the underside is slightly hairy. Five-veined at the base and with a petiole almost as long as the blade. Nodes with four stipules fused in pairs, simulating two bidentate stipules.
- Stem: Simple, rarely branched from the base, covered with urticating hairs, with a flexible pedicel that exceeds a third of the total length.
- Flowers: Axillary inflorescences, simple raceme type. The flowers are unisexual, rarely androgynous. Female racemes are shorter than the petiole (15-40 mm); male racemes are spike-shaped and longer (30-90 mm), with a widened axis. The male flowers have a perianth of 4 elliptical, obtuse, pubescent pieces; the female flowers have 4 unequal pieces, 2 of which are larger internally, elliptical, glabrous, with a flattened-ovoid ovary and a subsessile, capitate stigma.
- Fruit: Ovoid achene up to 1.5 x 1 mm, with an acuminate apex, compressed, shiny and whitish-yellowish in color, protected by the accrescent perianth.
Differences with Other Nettle Species
Urtica Membracea It differs mainly from Urtica dioica (great or common nettle) and Urticaria (lesser nettle) in several aspects:
- Its male clusters are simple and with a widened axis, unlike the branched ones of U. dioica.
- It has only stinging hairs on the leaves, not mixed with harmless short hairs.
- It is an annual species, unlike the perennial U. dioica.
Furthermore, the size and shape of the leaf, as well as the presence and distribution of stinging hairs, facilitate its identification in the field.
Geographic Distribution and Habitat
Urtica Membracea It is widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean region, from the Iberian Peninsula (where it is most common in coastal provinces) to North Africa, the Azores Islands, and other nearby regions. In Galicia, Spain, it is present in all four provinces, but is more abundant toward the coast.
It prefers nitrophilous and ruderal habitats, such as:
- Crops with altered or disturbed soils
- Partially wet vacant land
- Roadsides and shady areas
- Areas close to human presence and soils rich in organic matter
It grows from sea level to approximately 1000 meters above sea level and is highly tolerant of periods of mild drought, although it prefers cool, nutrient-rich environments.
Ecology, Cycle and Behavior
Urtica Membracea It is considered a therophytic plant, completing its life cycle as an annual and surviving the unfavorable season as a seed. Its development begins with the arrival of mild temperatures and longer days. Flowering typically extends from February to September, and its reproduction depends on both anemophilous (wind) and self-pollination, depending on environmental conditions.
Seed dispersal is local and nonspecific, although it can be accidentally facilitated by animals or humans. Its presence indicates soils rich in bases, with a pH of 5,5 to 8 and high nitrogen levels, and is a bioindicator of soil fertility and human disturbance.
It is shade tolerant, although it grows best in full light, and requires moderately dry to moist soils, preferably well-drained and free of salinity.
Chemical Composition and Active Ingredients
Urtica Membracea, like other nettles, has a surprising richness in active principles:
- Formic acid: Causes the skin irritation caused by the plant.
- Mineral salts: Iron, silica, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium.
- Vitamins: A, C and K (antihemorrhagic), in addition to abundant chlorophyll.
- Flavonoids: With antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action.
- Tannins: Astringent and hemostatic action.
- Carotenoids, mucilages and essential amino acids (such as lysine).
- Secondary stinging compounds: Acetylcholine, histamine, serotonin.
These substances are responsible for their traditional and modern uses, both culinary, medicinal and cosmetic.
Medicinal Properties and Traditional Uses
La membranous nettle It occupies a prominent place in traditional medicine and phytotherapy, benefiting from its richness in active principles. To learn more about its properties, visit Properties and medicinal uses of white nettle.
General Applications
- Restorative and remineralizing: Due to its high mineral content, it helps combat anemia and chronic fatigue.
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic: Direct contact with the skin activates circulation and relieves musculoskeletal pain thanks to the immune response to formic acid.
- Diuretic and purifying: It promotes the elimination of fluids and toxins, being useful in cases of gout, high uric acid, and fluid retention.
- Digestive: Relieves problems such as gastritis, dyspepsia or slow digestion.
- Galactogenic: Stimulates the production of breast milk.
- Hypoglycemic: Contributes to the control of blood glucose levels.
- Astringent and hemostatic: Its tannins allow it to be used to stop minor bleeding and treat diarrhea, colitis and dysentery.
Topical uses
- Treatment of wounds, superficial ulcers and dermatitis: Decoctions are used to wash skin lesions, rashes, acne and seborrheic dermatitis.
- Hair care: Infusions or extracts are used to combat dandruff, regulate oiliness, and prevent hair loss.
- Hydration and deodorization: Thanks to its chlorophyll and mucilage content, it softens the skin and provides deodorizing properties.
Caution: Moderation is recommended for people with heart or kidney failure, and harvesting should be done before flowering, as the seeds are more irritating.
Collection and Preparation
Harvesting is best done before flowering, when the stems and leaves are most tender and less irritating. It is essential to wear gloves to avoid irritation from the stinging hairs. After harvesting, they can be used fresh or dried, depending on their intended use.
Uses in the Kitchen and Traditional Recipes
The membranous nettle is edible and is used in different culinary preparations, especially in the traditional From rural and Mediterranean areas. Once cooked or blanched, nettles lose their stinging effect and become a nutritious and versatile ingredient.
Typical dishes:
- Tortillas and scrambled eggs: The tender leaves are used like spinach to prepare nettle omelets, highly appreciated in popular cuisine.
- Puree and soups: They are added to purifying purées, soups, and broths, along with other vegetables such as celery, chard, or leeks. Nettle-based purifying broth is a common remedy for strengthening the skin and immune system.
- Salads (after blanching): The young leaves, well blanched, can be eaten in nutritious salads.
Traditional suggestion: Boil fresh nettles, add them to mashed potatoes, or prepare a broth with onion, celery, chard, and leek. It's recommended to drink the broth before meals to take advantage of its purifying properties.
In poultry and livestock farming
The nettle is finely chopped and administered to chickens to promote the formation of strong bones and hard-shelled eggs.
Uses in Organic Farming and Gardening
Urtica Membracea It is used in organic farming mainly for the production of nettle slurry:
- Nettle slurry: The plant is macerated in water to obtain a liquid fertilizer that provides nitrogen and other minerals, stimulating the growth and resistance of other plants to pests and diseases. More information at Nettle cultivation.
- Slurry helps strengthen soil fertility and prevent insect attacks, especially in organic gardens and orchards.
- A fresh nettle leaf is also used in the planting hole of each tomato plant to improve its development.
The effectiveness of the slurry will depend on the correct fermentation time and storage in appropriate conditions, away from direct light and well filtered to avoid unpleasant odors.
Ethnobotanical Importance and Historical Curiosities
The membranous nettle is full of traditions and popular sayings:
- It was commonly used in folk medicine to relieve lower back pain or stimulate circulation by flogging with fresh branches.
- It is considered to be "what stings heals," taking advantage of the body's inflammatory response to treat muscle ailments.
- In ancient Rome, the elderly whipped themselves with nettles to regain strength, and similar references appear in medieval treatises.
- Where nettles grow, mallows are often found, whose leaves soothe the irritation caused by nettles.
- Various agricultural beliefs and uses, such as promoting soil fertility.
Sayings like “Nettle burned me and marjoram healed me” and advice on harvesting by hand (with determination or holding your breath) reflect folk wisdom passed down from generation to generation.
Applied Ecology: Indicators and Role in the Ecosystem
Urtica Membracea It plays a relevant role in the ecosystems where it develops:
- Indicator of soils rich in nutrients and organic matter, reflecting soil fertility and nitrogen levels.
- It promotes biodiversity, serving as food and shelter for numerous insects, including butterflies and mites such as Tetranychus urticae.
- Their presence usually indicates soil disturbance due to human activity, grazing, tillage or frequent mowing.
- It is associated with ruderal plant communities, especially in the subclass Stellarienea mediae, along with species such as Fumaria muralis, Papaver hybridum, Embrace Lamium and many others.
The web-nettle is also a highly adaptable plant, resistant to both extreme heat and variable humidity conditions, allowing it to quickly colonize disturbed areas. To learn more about similar plants, visit Lamium albumen.
Cultivation and Practical Considerations
The cultivation of Urtica Membracea It doesn't require any special care beyond choosing fertile, well-drained soil, preferably with some shade or moisture. Its rapid growth and spread mean it's sometimes considered a "weed" in agricultural settings, although its benefits far outweigh its drawbacks.
- Frequent mowing controls the spread of the plant, allowing it to be kept under control without resorting to herbicides.
- Grazing by large herbivores may limit nettle density in grassland areas.
- Frequent turning of the soil is advisable to avoid if nettle populations are to be conserved.
Frequently Asked Questions about Urtica membranacea
- Is stinging nettle edible? Yes, as long as the leaves and stems are properly processed (by cooking or blanching) to remove the stinging hairs.
- What is the difference between the membranous nettle and the common nettle? Its annual cycle, the simple arrangement of its bunches, and the exclusive presence of stinging hairs on its leaves. For more information, see .
- What medicinal uses does it have? Anti-inflammatory, remineralizing, astringent, diuretic, digestive and healing properties.
- Is it useful in organic farming? Yes, for the production of fertilizer slurry and for improving soil and crop vigor. More information at Biodynamic agriculture.
- How do you harvest without risk of irritation? Using gloves and appropriate tools, and preferably before flowering to avoid irritating seeds.
Varieties and Infraspecific Taxa
Within Urtica Membracea There are different varieties and subspecies, recognized in botanical literature:
- Urtica membranecea subsp. membraneous
- Urtica membranecea var. horrible Willk.
- Urtica membranecea var. subinermis Sennen
- Urtica azorica Hochst. ex Seub.
- Urtica lowei Seub.
- Urtica neglecta Gus.
- Urtica pittonii Flower
These groupings reflect differences in morphology, distribution, and ecological adaptation. For more details, please consult lamium amplexicaule.
