Giant Stinging Tree (Dendrocnide excelsa)
Giant Stinging Trees can be large. In rainforest they can grow to more than 40 metres to reach the light.
They have large heart shaped leaves. The leaves are alternate and have toothed edges.
Stinging hairs grow on the leaves and branches. They sting on contact and need to be avoided.
Stings can vary. The affects from a serious sting can last for months. For minor stings the effects might last for several hours. Stinging hairs need to be removed as soon as possible.
Giant Stinging Trees are found from Tathra on the NSW South Coast to south-east Queensland. They like sub-tropical and temperate rainforest areas.
I've seen Giant Stinging trees growing in Kanangra Boyd National Park beside creeks and rivers at low altitudes. I have also seen them growing in sheltered areas at around 800 metres.
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Family: | Urticaceae |
| Genus: | Dendrocnide |
| Species: | excelsa |
