What are the stinging trees of Australia?
By Chelsie Vandaveer
June 19, 2003
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Nettles (Urtica species) are wimps when compared to their relatives the 'stinging trees' (Dendrocnide species) of Australia. There are six species in Australia and an estimated 30 species scattered around the Oceanic and South Pacific Islands. Of the Australian species, two are trees growing to 40 meters (130 feet) and four are shrubs. The shrub-sized gympie-gympie (Dendrocnide moroides (Weddell) Chew) is possibly the worst offender of the stinging trees.
Stinging trees are rainforest plants colonizing where gaps have opened in the canopy. Like other nettles, stinging trees are covered with urticating trichomes, hollow 'plant hairs' that easily break off in the skin and inject pain causing toxins. (See Weird Plants, June 12, 2003)
Unlike other nettles, "the pain starts as a tingling sensation and develops into stabbing or radiating pain with it being referred to other parts of the body, often opposite the affected area." ("Moonlighter, Stinger, or Gympie Gympie", Society for Growing Australian Plants, Queensland Region, Inc.)
The pain can persist for weeks. According to Marina Hurley (2000), "Depending upon the species and the degree of contact, the reaction can vary from mild irritation to death, not only in humans, but also in dogs and even horses."
The specific toxin has not yet been defined. Hurley stated it "acts like a neuro-toxin and is so stable that it retains its pain producing properties for decades. Dried...specimens...collected in 1910, can still cause pain." A person does not even have to touch the plant for problems to arise. Hurley noted, "...the stinging hairs are shed continuously and cause an allergic reaction to anyone who remains close to these plants for more than one hour....intense, harsh, continuous bouts of sneezing from breathing in the air-borne...hairs....will eventually result in nose bleeds."
Hurley added to her account of the toxin, "fascinating to note that the pain, although real, is not a symptom of any actual damage. There is no damage caused to the tissue...and the toxin is not fatal. People at the greatest risk of dying are those likely to suffer from extreme shock and those who have died, most probably suffered heart failure." ("Selective Stingers", Marina Hurley, Ecos, Issue 105, pp 18-23, CSIRO, Oct-Dec 2000)
Australian Natural History Safari has a great photograph of the gympie-gympie taken by David and Diane Armbrust. To view the photograph, click on the link:
http://www.anhs.com.au/stinging%20tree.htm
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading:
What was nettle cloth? Plants that Changed History - June 10, 2003
Nettle in, Dock out Weird Plants - June 12, 2003
Why were hops added to beer? Weird Plants - December 12, 2002
What herbs prevented evil on Midsummer's Eve? Herbal Folklore - June 24, 2002
How did flax preserve history? Plants that Changed History - April 29, 2003
What is lint? What's in a Name? - April 25, 2003
What does flax need to create fine fibers? Weird Plants - April 24, 2003
How did flax revolutionize clothing? Plants that Changed History - April 22, 2003
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