Common Name: Giant Stinging Tree

General Information

Giant stinging tree is an evergreen tree that can grow in excess of 35 metres with buttresses to over 10 metres high, though it is usually smaller[, ].
The tree was traditionally used as a source of fibre and edible fruits.

Known Hazards

The trees, especially the young leaves, have stinging hairs. The sting can be intensely painful and the pain can recur, with reducing intensity, over a period of several months - especially if the affected area gets wet[, ]. This species probably gives a stronger, more intense sting than other members of the genus[].

Botanical References

Range

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland.

Habitat

Common in rainforest especially on slopes and in gullies, often in basaltic soil[]. A common element of secondary forest, sometimes persisting to became a canopy or emergent tree as the woodland matures[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant mainly of the subtropical rainforests, just extending into the tropics.
Plants in this genus are essentially lowland primary forest species preferring slightly moist and somewhat shady habitats[].
A fast-growing species[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, ]. The fruits have a crisp texture and an acid flavour[]. Extreme care should be exercised if trying to eat this fruit - the stinging hairs are particularly virulent and need to be completely removed before eating the fruit[]. The fruits are produced in small clusters which can fall to the ground when ripe[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast-growing natural pioneer species, it is sometimes used in reforestation projects within its native range - though care should be taken of its stinging hairs[].

Other Uses

A fibre is obtained from the inner bark, and also from the root bark[]. The fibre from the root bark is said to be better quality[]. It is used for cordage, nets etc[]. Traditionally, the Aborigines would simply chew the bark until the fibres were sufficiently separated to be twisted into a cord[].
The bark can also be beaten with a wooden hammer onto a flat piece of wood, in a manner similar to tapa cloth (Brousonettya papyrifera), to make a rather rough cloth[].

The timber is too soft to be of much use[].

Propagation

Seed - it germinates readily[].
Cuttings root easily[].

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