Loasa

Did you know

• The entire plant is covered in stinging hairs similar to nettles, earning it the nickname 'ortiga' in Chile.
• Despite the sting, the intricate tricolored flowers are among the most architecturally complex in the plant kingdom.
• The inner petals form a hooded, nectar-filled structure that forces pollinators into contact with the stamens.
• Charles Darwin collected Loasa specimens during his Beagle voyage along the Chilean coast.
• The stinging hairs contain formic acid, the same irritant found in ant bites and common nettles.

Color meanings

Uses

• botanical collections
• cottage gardens
• trellises
• curiosity plantings