Myrianthus Explained

Myrianthus should not be confused with Marianthus.

Myrianthus is a genus of flowering plants in the nettle family (Urticaceae). They are mainly found in Tropical Africa.^[1] They are mostly tropical trees, shrubs, or lianas. Leaves are simple and pinnately veined or with a palmate structure. It is dioecious, with separate male and female plants.^[2]

The leaves of Myrianthus arboreus are an important food source in the Delta and Edo States of Nigeria where the plant is known locally as ujuju.^[3] The fruits are also edible.

Species

Although 13 species have been described,^[1] there are only four are accepted species:

• Myrianthus arboreus
• Myrianthus holstii
• Myrianthus preussii
• Myrianthus serratus

Notes and References

1. Web site: Myrianthus. theplantlist.org. 2017-05-03.
2. Book: 10.1007/978-3-662-02899-5. Flowering Plants · Dicotyledons. 1993. 978-3-642-08141-5. 38606188. Kubitzki. Klaus. Jens G. Rohwer. Volker. Bittrich.
3. Web site: PROTA Myrianthus arboreus P.Beauv . Database.prota.org . 2013-12-15 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130412042750/http://database.prota.org/PROTAhtml/Myrianthus%20arboreus_En.htm . 2013-04-12 . dead .