PIR1PIRI RAMIE. 47 



Deccan, and noted for its strong stem fibres ; used for cordage and 

 other purposes. 



Ramie, China Grass, Karamushi, Rhea (Boehmeria nivea, Urticacese). 

 The China grass is obtained from the shrubby stems of Boehmeria 

 nivea ; the plant, which is quite hardy, has been grown in the South 

 of England. Large bushy clumps of it can be seen in the Arboretum 

 of the Royal Gardens, Kew. 



Fig. 27 is a photograph taken from one of these clumps. The stems 

 are round, roughened, and dark brown in colour. The leaves are opposite 

 and decussate, and stalked ; in form heart-shaped with broadly decided 



Fig. 27. Ramie or China grass (Boehmeria nivea). 



points (cuspidate), serrate margins and feathered venation. The ventral 

 surface of the leaf is of a dull green, and the dorsal surface is white with 

 feltose hairs. 



The plant is indigenous in China, Japan, Java and the Philippine 

 Islands. 



Fig. 28 is an example of the ovate, cuspidate, serrate leaf with 

 feathered venation. 



Fig. 29 is an illustration of the ramie or rhea plant, Boehmeria 

 nivea, var. tenacissima, which is a native of tropical countries. 



The illustration is from a plant in the Economic House of the Royal 

 Gardens, Kew ; the leaves are opposite and decussate, ovate, acute, with 

 a serrated margin ; the normal colour of the leaves is light green. In 



