Erect, annual herbs to undershrubs, densely stellate pubescent, sometimes mixed with simple hairs. Leaves variable in shape and size, angular or lobed or parted, usually with a nectary on the midrib beneath. Flowers axillary, usually solitary, sometimes fascicled; sessile to short pedicelled. Epicalyx segments 5 fused to the middle or above, adnate to calyx. Calyx 5-toothed. Petals 5. Staminal tube with nearly sessile anthers below the apex. Carpels 5 ovary 5-celled; style branches 10. Mericarps 5, indehiscent, with or without glochidiate spines.

A genus with about 6 species is distributed in warm regions of the world. It is represented by 1 species in Pakistan.

Doubtful species

1. Urena sinuate Linn., p.Pl.692.1753.

2. Urena repanda Roxb. ex J. E. Sm. in Rees, Cyclop.37.n.6.1819.

The former species has been recorded by Stocks from Sind and the latter by T.Thomas from Punjab. I have not seen any specimen from Pakistan.

Lower Taxon

• Urena lobata Linn.