Dendrocnide

Dendrocnide
Dendrocnide meyeniana
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Urticaceae
Genus: Dendrocnide
Species

37 species

Dendrocnide is a genus of 37 species of shrubs to large trees in the nettle family Urticaceae. They have a wide distribution across Southeast Asia, North East India, Australia and the Pacific Islands.[1]

They are colloquially known as stinging trees,[2] stinging nettles or nettle trees. One Australian species, Dendrocnide excelsa (giant stinging tree), can grow to over 40 metres in height, but the dangerous Dendrocnide moroides (gympie-gympie) is only shrub-size.

In Vanuatu, where Dendrocnide species are known by the Bislama name nanggalat[3] or under commonly used alternative spelling nangalat,[4] they have various customary uses, including the whipping of those found guilty of breaking taboos. The pain caused by merely touching the nanggalat is no worse than the sting of a common European nettle, but far more persistent, returning whenever the affected area of skin is touched by water or rubbed, an effect that may last for days.

Dendrocnide species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including Aenetus scotti.

Selected species

References

  1. ↑ ABRS Flora of Australia Online Search Results
  2. ↑ "The Australian Plant Names Index".
  3. ↑ T. Crowley, A New Bislama Dictionary, p. 335
  4. ↑ http://www.dailypost.vu/content/tourist-claims-compensation-nangalat-leaf-burns Vanuatu Daily Post

Further reading


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