The Ramie Plant also known as the Silk Plant, is a member of the family Urticaceae and is native to eastern Asia. It is a perennial herbaceous plant which is capable of growing up to 2.5m height. This plant has heart-shaped leaves which are 6-12 cm wide and 7-15 cm long. The leaves are white in colour on the underside and possess a large amount of dense hairs. These hairs do not sting and lend the characteristic silvery appearance. It is for this reason that the plant is also known as the silk plant.

The original ramie plant is also known as the China grass or the white ramie. The white ramie is a plant which is usually cultivated in China. Another type of ramie exists. This type is known as the green ramie or rhea. The green ramie supposedly originated in the Malaysian peninsula. When compared to the white ramie, the green ramie has smaller leaves. In addition to this, the underside of the leaves of the green ramie is green in colour, and the plant appears to be more suited for a tropical climate. The ramie is a very strong natural fibre, and its strength increases considerably when wet. The ramie is also known for its ability to retain its shape and provide lustre to fabric appearance, hence appearing like silk. Also the ramie reduces wrinkling of cloth. However it is not as durable as other fibres and is hence only used in blends with other fibres.