Swaziland's Flora - siSwati Names and Uses

Compiled by Chris Long, © December 2005

URTICACEAE
Obetia
tenax (Rock Tree Nettle) lusontfo, lusotfo, lutiya,
Household:	Bark fibre can be made into a cord or rope. Used for thatching.
Food:	Leaves edible as spinach
Laportea
peduncularis (River Nettle) bubati, lubati,
Food:	Edible leaves
subsp. latidens
subsp. peduncularis
Girardinia
diversifolia (River Nettle)
Food:	Edible as spinach.
Pouzolzia
mixta (Soap Nettle) udekane,
Household:	Bark used for fibre for rope or string. Crushed leaves for a soap.
Medicinal:	Medicinal to dilate birth canal in Zimbabwe.
Urtica
urens * (Stinging Nettle) imbabatane, isibathi, isibati, lisibati, umbababazane,
Medicinal:	Widely used for medicinal purposes
Food:	Edible as a relish. Rich in minerals