Elatostema reticulatum (URTICACEAE); Rainforest spinach, soft nettle Ellatostemma reticulatum - foliage - Paul Donatiu © 2002 A herbaceaous plant to about 30 cm tall in subtropical rainforest, along streams in the bed-low bank position, or in otherwise wet sites. From southern NSW to north-east Queensland. Leaves are alternate, ovate-elliptical up to 20cm long and 7cm wide with an uneven base and serrated margin. Flowers are greenish-creamy coloured, occurring on peduncles which arise from leaf axils from December-May. Fruit is inconspicuous achenes. Lush appearance makes it a most useful plant for shady, well-watered positions. The leaves and young stems are edible and can be used as a substitute for spinach. Easily propagated from cuttings. The aborigines boiled it in bark or in large sea-shells. Ellatostemma reticulatum - flower - Paul Donatiu © 2002         © 2007 Brisbane Rainforest Action & Information Network PO Box 443 The Gap Qld 4061 Email: ask@brisrain.webcentral.com.au Privacy and disclaimer