Shiny-leaved Stinging Tree, Mulberry-leaved Stinging Tree
Dendrocnide photinophylla

Family: Urticaceae

What it is like

A tall tree. It grows to 25 m tall. The leaves are oval with a long tip. They are thick and dark green. They are shiny on top and dull underneath. Leaves are 5-12 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. The new growth is smooth and soft. The male and female flowers are separate. They are in panicles in the axils of leaves. These are 5-6 cm long. The fruit is a nut 0.1-0.2 cm across. There are fleshy white stalks around it. It is probably possible to select forms which do not have stinging hairs.

The leaves cause serious stinging to hands. There are 36 Dendrocnide species.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. It grows naturally in Queensland and New South Wales in Australia. It grows from sea level to 800 m above sea level. It prefers rich, well-composted soils. It needs an open sunny position. It is damaged by drought and frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Caution: The plant has stinging hairs. The fruit are eaten after the stinging hairs are removed.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or by cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Fleurya photinophylla Kunth; Laportea photiniphylla (Kunth) Wedd.; Urtica photinophylla Wedd.; Urticastrum photinophylla (Kunth) Kuntze;