Alexandre K. Monro, Yi-Gang Wei and Long-Fei Fu. · CC BY 4.0
About
Pilea is a massive genus of flowering plants, featuring hundreds of species, many of which are highly valued by hobbyists for their ornamental foliage, often shaped like lily-pads. The genus is notable for its ease of identification within the Urticaceae family due to its specific leaf and inflorescence structures.
Field notes
Morphology
The majority of species are shade-loving herbaceous plants or shrubs, characterized by opposite leaves (with rare exceptions) and a single ligulate intrapetiolar stipule in each leaf axil. They typically bear cymose or paniculate inflorescences.
Distribution & habitat
Distributed throughout the tropics, subtropics, and warm temperate regions, with the exception of Australia and New Zealand.
Cultivation notes
Some species are grown for their ornamental foliage, and many are non-toxic to pets, making them popular indoor plants.
History & etymology
The genus name *Pilea* is Latin for "felt cap," referencing the calyx covering the achene. The genus has been studied since Weddell in 1869.
Habitat
- Altitude
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- Altitude Class
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Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
Crossed Pilea with another species?
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