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 shrub to large tree in the nettle family Urticaceae. They have a wide distribution across South-East Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands^[1].

They are colloquially known as 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, 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, 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

• Dendrocnide corallodesme
• Dendrocnide cordata
• Dendrocnide excelsa, giant stinging tree
• Dendrocnide meyeniana
• Dendrocnide moroides, gympie gympie
• Dendrocnide peltata
• Dendrocnide photinophylla, shiny-leaved stinging tree

References

1. ^ ABRS Flora of Australia Online Search Results