Also known as Gympie Gympie · Suicide Plant
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Gympie Stinging Tree (Dendrocnide moroides) is a rainforest shrub notorious for its intensely stinging hairs, causing severe pain upon contact.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct morning sun, but avoid intense afternoon sun.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Rich, well-drained soil
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-27°C. Protect from frost and sudden drops in temperature.
Low to Moderate
25% intensity
Feed with a balanced fertilizer diluted once a month during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contact toxicity due to stinging hairs (trichomes) containing neurotoxins.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during establishment and dry periods. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent waterlogging. Reduce watering in cooler, less active months.
Consistent moisture is key to healthy growth, but avoid soggy conditions which can lead to root rot.
Prune to maintain shape and size, or to remove any dead or damaged branches. Wear protective gloves and clothing when pruning, as the stinging hairs can cause irritation.
The best time to prune is during the dormant season (late autumn to early spring) to minimize sap flow and stress.
Propagation is typically done by seeds or cuttings. Seeds require stratification and are best sown in spring.
Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood in summer or hardwood in winter, treated with rooting hormone, and planted in a well-draining medium. Maintain high humidity for cuttings.
Repot young plants annually in spring, and mature plants every 2-3 years, or when root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of potting soil, perlite, and sand.
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overwatering issues.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Gympie Stinging Tree (Dendrocnide moroides)
Where Gympie Stinging Tree (Dendrocnide moroides) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Urticaceae |
| Genus | Dendrocnide |
| Species | Dendrocnide moroides |
Similar in genus Dendrocnide
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
