Urera baccifera aka Scratchbush

Urera baccifera is a woody shrub in the nettle family, Urticaceae. Common names include nettle tree, chichaste, and ortiga. Its native range spans Mexico, Central America, and tropical South America. It also grows across parts of the Caribbean. It occurs in wet and dry thickets, often on disturbed ground. Most records come from lowland sites.

The shrub usually reaches 6.6–13 feet [2–4 metres] tall. Plants For A Future gives about 16 feet [5 metres]. Some plants become small trees reaching 23 feet [7 metres]. The plant has few branches, which are thick and pale. Its thin leaves have toothed edges. Coarse, hollow hairs cover the plant and can cause severe stings. These hairs have broad bases and may curve back. Contact with leaves or branches can cause intense pain. This may last two or three days, followed by numbness.

Pink or purple flowers grow in clusters. Separate plants bear male and female flowers. The fruits are green or pinkish, with soft, juicy flesh. Fruit-eating birds and capuchin monkeys spread the seeds. Plants For A Future reports no edible plant parts. Useful Tropical Plants also lists no known food use. The juicy fruit should therefore not be taken as evidence of edibility.

This plant suits warm, wet tropical and subtropical conditions. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 10–12. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Deep shade can cause plants to die out. It grows across soil textures, from acid to lime-rich ground. Drainage can range from good to somewhat poor. It favours areas with high rainfall. Cut stems sprout again and soon regain their former height. Cuttings root readily, even when made from thick branches. Fresh seed may take 26 days or more to sprout.

People grow this stinging shrub as a barrier hedge. Its branch fibres supply material for rope, twine, and paper. It can become a weed in shaded coffee plantations. The cited account reports no naturalisation beyond its native range. Traditional medicine uses its leaves and roots for several ailments. These include muscle pain, arthritis, and urinary complaints. Such uses do not establish safe or effective treatment. Its strong sting remains a major concern wherever people may brush past.