This order has six families and about 2,200 species. All the species in this order range from small herbs to trees. The order includes stinging nettles, mulberry, fig trees elm trees, hop vines and the hemp plant.
There are about 1,000 species of trees and shrubs in this family. They are found in tropical and subtropical regions and contain a milky latex. The plants in this family have alternate leaves and small, petalless male or female flowers. Many of the plants in this family have fruit that is edible. Species include the fig, mulberry, banyan, Indian rubber tree and breadfruit plants.
There are 140 species in this family. Leaves alternate and usually have toothed edges. Male and female flowers are can be together or apart on the same plant. The fruit is a samara, a one seeded winged fruit. Plants in this family include the American elm, the English elm, the Chinese elm, the Siberian elm, zelkova trees and bushes, and hackberry trees.
There are between 800 and 1,000 species in this family. Most of the plants in this family are herbs, although there are some shrubs, small trees and vines Most grow in temperate regions. Many of these plants have stinging hairs on their stems and leaves. Plants include stinging nettle, Australian nettle tree, baby tears, and the trumpet tree.
This family has one species of small tree, Barbeya oleoides, in this family. It is found in northeastern Africa.
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