Boehmeria nivea, commonly known as ramie or Chinese grass, is a perennial shrub native to East Asia. It is easily recognized by its heart-shaped, green leaves with white undersides and can grow several feet tall. For thousands of years, it has been cultivated primarily for its strong, durable bast fiber, which is used to make textiles, ropes, and other industrial materials. The plant also has a history of use in traditional medicine to reduce fevers and treat infections, and its young leaves can serve as fodder for animals.

Despite its usefulness, ramie poses ecological risks and is not recommended for planting in Hawaii. It has become naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions outside its native range, including parts of the Pacific. The plant spreads aggressively both by prolific seed production and through suckers that allow it to regrow after cutting. Its ability to establish persistent seed banks and tolerate repeated disturbance makes it difficult to control once it has escaped cultivation.