Understorey False Nettle

chirindica: of the Chirinda Forest.

Deciduous scrambling shrub or small tree. Branches almost pendent. Leaves ovate-lanceolate to asymmetrically rhombic-lanceolate, 3-5-veined from the base, light green, somewhat pilose on both surfaces, particularly on the veins; margins crenate-serrate. Stipules linear-lanceolate, up to 9mm long, reddish-brown. Flowers unisexual on the same plant; male flowers in axillary racemes up to 6 cm long (image 6); female flowers in terminal spikes with conspicuous red styles (image 5), held in cupshaped, frilled bracts (image 3). Fruit 3-lobed, pubescent.

From southern DRC and Tanzania to Mozambique and Zimbabwe.