Bœhmeria (bemeria)

[NL., after G. R. Boehmer or Böhmer, a German botanist of the 18th century; cf. G. Böhme, a Bohemian, Böh men, Bohemia.] A genus of dicotyledonous plants, natural order Urticaceæ, allied to the nettle, but without its stinging hairs. A number 610 of species yield tenacious fibers, used for making ropes, twine, net, and sewing-thread. The most important spedies, which affords the valuable rhea-fiber or gra -cloth cies is B. nivea, a shrubby plant of China and the East The Ramie-plant ( Bahmeria nivea). fiber, also known under its Malay name of ramie. It has been long in cultivation in China and India, and succe ful attempts have been made to cultivate it in the United States. The species B. Puya, from which the Puya-fiber is obtained, is now referred to the genus Maoutia. See gra - cloth.