About Girardinia diversifolia (Link) Friis
Girardinia diversifolia (Link) Friis is a shade-tolerant, tall, stout, erect perennial herb that grows 1.5 to 3 metres in height, with a permanent rootstock. It forms clumps, each containing multiple stems. Its stems produce unique bast fibre that is strong, smooth and light. Like many other members of the nettle family Urticaceae, this plant’s leaves bear stinging hairs. The stinging hairs of this species are particularly potent: contact with them can cause an extremely painful rash and swelling that lasts a week or more. It most commonly grows in hilly and mountainous regions, at altitudes up to 3000 metres. Three subspecies are currently accepted: Girardinia diversifolia subsp. diversifolia, Girardinia diversifolia subsp. suborbiculata (C.J.Chen) C.J.Chen & Friis, and Girardinia diversifolia subsp. triloba (C.J.Chen) C.J.Chen & Friis. This plant, known as Allo, is traditionally used by multiple ethnic groups across Nepal, including the Kulung, Gurung, Magar, Rai, and Tamang peoples. Allo products hold cultural importance for both the Gurung and Rai peoples, and the plant and its products are also sold for commercial and non-religious purposes. Beyond fibre production, the plant has a range of non-fibre uses: it can provide fodder for livestock, fuel wood, live fencing, and ingredients for traditional medicine. Allo fibre is very flexible and has high tenacity, making it suitable for a wide variety of applications including clothing, bags, floor mats, and rope. Fibres produced from allo are fully biodegradable.
