Gympie Stinger - profile

Indicative distribution

Loading map...

Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Dendrocnide moroides

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 11 Oct 2022

Description

Gympie Stinger is a shrub to 4 m tall in the nettle family. The large, heart-shaped leaves are toothed and densely covered in stinging hairs that cause intense and persistent pain when they contact the skin. Small, insignificant flowers are arranged in bunches. The flower-stalks swell and develop into fleshy purplish fruit-like structures, clustered in a shiny mass. The single seed is contained in a small warty fruit at the end of each flower stalk.

Distribution

From north Queensland, where it is fairly common, south to the Clarence River in north-east NSW. It is very rare in the southern-most part of its range.

Habitat and ecology

Occurs in lowland rainforest, especially in gaps or other disturbed sites.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Risk of local extinction because population numbers are small.
Clearing and fragmentation of lowland rainforest habitat.
Roadworks.
Infestation of habitat by introduced weeds.
Landholders clearing plant because of its stinging hairs

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Support local Landcare groups and bush regeneration teams.
Manage roadsides to protect known and potential habitat of Gympie Stinger.
Control weeds that threaten rainforest remnants.
Protect remaining lowland rainforest habitat from clearing and development.
Expand and connect remnant patches of habitat.
Report new occurrences of Gympie Stinger, particularly south of the Richmond River, to the DEC.

Information sources

Harden, G., McDonald, B. and Williams, J. (2006) Rainforest trees and shrubs: a field guide to their identification. (Gwen Harden Publishing, Nambucca Heads)
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW North Coast	Dalmorton	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Predicted	None
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Predicted	None

Related information

NSW Flora Online - Dendrocnide moroides

Get involved

Report a sighting

Nature conservation

Threatened species