All articles tagged with #dendrocnide moroides
The United Kingdom's Poison Garden, known for its collection of poisonous plants, has acquired a new addition: the Australian gympie-gympie, covered in stinging hairs that cause excruciating pain. Visitors are warned not to touch the plant, as the pain can last for weeks or months. However, researchers are studying the plant's toxins in hopes of developing new painkillers or anesthetics.
The U.K.'s Alnwick Garden has introduced the Dendrocnide moroides, also known as the gympie-gympie plant or "world's most painful plant," to its collection of toxic plants. The plant's hairs, which act like hypodermic needles, inject a venom that causes excruciating pain lasting for months. The venomous plant is kept in a locked glass cage with a clear "do not touch" sign. Researchers at the University of Queensland are studying the plant's toxins to potentially develop new pain treatments without side effects or dependency issues.