The answer is… nettles .
In addition to the well-known medicinal properties (diuretic, antirheumatic, astringent...) and nutritional properties (due to its richness in mineral salts and vitamins), nettles have had other uses that were exploited by the Germans, in the First World War, and the British. in the Second.
World War I :Usually the uniforms were made of cotton but there came a time when its production could not cover the needs of the German army (it needs a lot of water, fertilizers and a hot climate). So, they had to look for an alternative to fight "with dignity" and they found it in nettles (easy to grow and "all-terrain"). Logically, the leaves were not used (they have hairs that release an acidic substance that causes itching and inflammation on the skin; that is why it is known as "the herb of the blind «, because even these recognize it just by touching it) but the fibers that were obtained from the stems. Nor is it that the Germans discovered anything new because this type of fiber was already used more than 2,000 years ago to make nets, fabrics... Today garments are also made from nettle.
World War II :in the second great war the nettles changed sides and went to the British. At the start of the war, the British government collected 100 tons of nettles to extract the chlorophyll and use this pigment as "camouflage" paint on their uniforms.
British Army
And to finish off the job and as a gift... it also serves as a CRECEPO (¿?)
