Habitat: Subtropical, warm temperate or littoral rainforest, particularly in disturbed areas, previously flattened by storms or cyclones.

 

The stinging tree is a rather large tree, growing to about 40 metres in height. 

 

The leaves and stems are covered in thick hairs that, if touched, give a painful sting. These hairs are made of the mineral silica, the main constituent of glass. When brushed against, their tips penetrate the skin, break off, and release an irritant poison. The effect of this sting may last for months, and in some cases, years. Many animals have been known to die, after brushing against this plant. 

 

The fruit of the stinging tree is eaten by many rainforest birds, including the regent bowerbird and the green catbird. It is a purple/black nut, and the flesh is edible.  The caterpillars of white nymph butterflies as well as several stick insects, a weevil and a chrisomelid beetle  eat the leaves of the common stinging tree. Green possums eat the leaves of the shiny-leafed stinging tree.

 

This plant is considered to be the most dangerous plant in the Daintree rainforest. However, many native animals are not bothered by the sting. Also, the pain from these plants, while they do put them in a lot of pain, does not damage the body, unlike poisons. Scientists believe that if these neurotoxins are studied, they may tell us a little more about how the nervous system works.