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Last week in Australia I was introduced to the stinger tree or gympie-gympie (Dendrocnyde moroides) , which is common in rainforests after a cyclone or other disturbance. It is a relative of the common nettle and doesn't look that bad, but is much more vicious. The pain from even a minor sting is intense and can hurt for a year afterwards. I was sorely tempted to give myself a "light" sting just to know what it felt like. Surely a light touch from any plant can't be that nasty? Judging by this video, I am very glad I didn't. Is this the nastiest plant in the world? And why would a plant end up being so overdesigned to subject such overwhelming pain? 
2 Comments
19/5/2020 01:44:57 pm
I know that reason why you are telling me that this is the nastiest plant you have ever since. Whenever I touch this one, I cannot explain the feeling it gives me, but I can say that it is truly disgusting and I can relate so much on you. I am not really into plants that much that's why I don't know sway other plants that are not yet familiar to me. But I have to say that gympie-gympie is really not a good one! I am happy to know that I am not the only one who feels this way and we are united with this!
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AuthorYadvinder Malhi is an ecosytem ecologist and Professor of Ecosystem Science at Oxford University Archives
August 2019
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