Mediterranean Nettle
Urtica membranacea · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Mediterranean Nettle, scientifically known as Urtica membranacea, is a distinctive herbaceous perennial native to the Mediterranean basin. Renowned for its stinging hairs and nutrient-rich leaves, this plant has long been valued in traditional herbalism. It offers significant therapeutic potential, particularly for supporting digestive health and reducing systemic inflammation.
- Family
- Urticaceae
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Mediterranean Nettle
- Scientific synonyms
- Urtica Membranacea Subsp. Neglecta · Urtica Membranacea Var. Horrida · 8 more
Names
Common Names
- Mediterranean Nettle
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Urtica membranacea var. horrida
- Urtica membranacea raza lusitanica
- Urtica dubia
- Urtica lusitanica
- Urtica membranacea var. subinermis
- Urtica caudata
- ortiga mediterránea de cola
German:
- Geschwänzte Brennnessel
- Urtica dubia
- Geschwänzte Brennnessel
French:
- Ortie à membranes
- Ortie douteuse
- Ortie douteuse
- Ortie à membranes
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Urtica membranaceaSynonyms
- Urtica membranacea subsp. neglecta
- Urtica membranacea var. horrida
- Urtica membranacea var. subinermis
- Urtica neglecta
- Urtica azorica
- Dubrueilia membranacea
- Urtica membranacea proles lusitanica
- Urtica lusitanica
- Urtica lowei
- Urtica pittonii
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Rosales, it is classified under the family Urticaceae and the genus Urtica. Together, these taxonomic ranks identify Urtica membranacea as a specific member of the nettle family.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Rosales | WCVP |
| Family | Urticaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Urtica | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a varied distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be documented in both Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species is found within the territories of Belgium and Germany. Additionally, its range extends to Southwestern Europe, specifically reaching the Baleares islands. These diverse locations highlight the wide geographical footprint of Urtica membranacea.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
Activities
Urtica membranacea has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiproliferative.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antiproliferative | Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Urtica membranacea has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include breast cancer, cancer.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| breast cancer | Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | TheScientificWorldJournal (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| ethanol extraction | TheScientificWorldJournal (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |