Girardinia diversifolia, commonly known as the Himalayan nettle[2] or Nilghiri nettle,[3] is a plant species native to Nepal and in the Himalayan parts of India such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir and in vast parts of China.

It is a shade tolerant, tall, stout and erect herb growing up to 3m height with perennial rootstock.

[7] It most frequently occurs in the hilly and mountainous regions at altitudes up to 3000 m.[8] Traditional users of Allo are ethnic groups from across Nepal, including the Kulung, Gurung, Magar, Rai and Tamang people.

[7] Non-fibre uses of the plant range from fodder and fuel wood,[8] to use as a live fence and in traditional medicines.

[9] Allo fibre is very flexible and has high tenacity,[10] allowing it to be used in a multitude of applications ranging from clothing and bags to floor mats and rope.