Massai Stinging Nettle
Urtica massaica
Observed in an area of rank weeds near Limuru Pond, Nairobi, Kenya. January 2014.
Leaves: The leaves and stems are covered with sharp hypodermic needles ready to inject a stinging chemical. The broad, oval leaves are heart-shaped at their base. Veins below are conspicuously raised.
Flowers: Very small greenish-white flowers are borne in dense, elongate clusters.
Habit: Tall, largely herbaceous, occasionally reaching 2 m tall.
On the Elgeyo Escarpment I found many plants colonized by gall mites that resulted in purplish blister-like growths on the leaves.
Nettle Gall Mite
