Known as GIMPI-GIMPI in southern Queensland and STINGER in north Queensland this would surely be, literally, the most abused plant in the tropics.

Stinger - Dendrocnide moroides - Photo by Bill Hinton

To brush against it can be disastrous. Consequently anyone who goes into the rainforest should be wary of this plant.

Off times it is the predominant regrowth plant where there has been a disturbance in the rainforest, such as a timber track or landslide. It is recorded that early settlers feared it and undoubtedly the Aborigines treated it with equal respect.

Horses and dogs suffer greatly should they stumble upon it. Records indicate that horses have been driven frantic by the pain, leading to their self-destruction. If moving about in the rainforest regularly one is seldom blessed for long with non-contamination.

We have experienced the agonies of a brush against this plant for up to six months later, especially upon washing the affected area. The irritation is caused by the penetration of the skin by the long hollow hairs which cover the leaves and branches. These hairs contain a virulent poison which produces violent itching and burning.

The small insignificant flowers are followed by fleshy fruit. These fruit are reputed to be edible, but after our experience of the plant's stinging qualities we would recommend that all contact with any part of it should be avoided. In our opinion the chances of eating fruit with some stray stinging hairs adhered to it is too great.

In no way do we suggest that stinger be cultivated. It has been included in this book in the hope that it will assist in the recognition of a truly dangerous plant.