Ramie, Boehmeria nivea, is an erect, herbaceous, perennial, flowering plant up to 1 -3 m tall with thick storage roots. The leaves are heart-shaped with white, hairy underside. It is highly cultivated for its high quality fibre or as an ornamental plant. It is also used in preventing miscarriages during pregnancy. The leaves are used as treatment of fluxes and wounds while the roots are used in the treatment of threatened abortions, colic of pregnancy, haemorrhoids, leucorrhoea, impetigo, etc. The root is edible when peeled and boiled. It has a pleasant and sweet taste. The leaves are furthermore used in making cakes. Ramie is planted to prevent soil erosion. The inner bark is a source of the known longest fibre used in making paper.
