Botanical Briefs: Australian Stinging Tree (Dendrocnide moroides).
Ansley C DeVore1, Thomas W McGovern1
1Dr. DeVore is from the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston. Dr. McGovern is from Fort Wayne Dermatology Consultants, Indiana. The authors report no conflict of interest.
Cutis
|December 13, 2023
Summary
The stinging plant Dendrocnide moroides, or gympie-gympie, causes severe pain and swelling. Hair removal wax strips are recommended for removing its stinging hairs and managing symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Botany
- Toxicology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Dendrocnide moroides, commonly known as gympie-gympie, is a highly venomous plant causing severe pain and adverse reactions.
- This plant is recognized by its shrub-like appearance, heart-shaped serrated leaves, and raspberry-like fruit.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the characteristics and effects of Dendrocnide moroides.
- To outline conservative treatment and effective first aid for contact with this stinging plant.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation of symptoms following contact.
- Evaluation of conservative symptom management strategies.
- Assessment of physical removal of stinging hairs.
Main Results:
- Contact with D. moroides causes immediate piloerection and swelling, with pain, itching, and burning persisting for months.
- Conservative symptom management is the primary treatment approach.
- Hair removal wax strips are effective in removing stinging plant hairs.
Conclusions:
- Dendrocnide moroides poses a significant toxicological threat.
- Symptomatic treatment and physical removal of hairs are crucial for managing stings.
- Hair removal wax strips should be included in first aid kits in areas where D. moroides is present.
