Thread: Plants - the nasty kinds

So in this wonderful country of ours, I have learned a bit about plants that grow here and what conditions they grow in. I still have a heap to learn and find it interesting particularly when this sort of knowledge can lead to more animals in the freezer. But what I don't know too much about are the nasty plants for people (and animals I guess!)

Today on a bit of a bash through some un-kept farm land with public access, I was looking at what I thought was normal boring bush. On the way back down to the car I came through the same chute but with a bit more speed and YOUCH it felt like a hot wire cut my leg straight in half! Apon further inspection, no wound what so ever, but burning cold pain and then numbness similiar to what a local anesthetic feels like. I had a sheepish look back up to what I ran through and saw a wee plant (sorry no pics!) that looked sort of like your typical cartoon mistletoe? So wtf was that?

I know I have sensitive skin but even after a shower and probably two hours later, I still have a numb spot across my shin. The dog didn't go through the same place so he's fine but hubby has a similar thing on his shins too although adding itchy to my symptoms.

Any botanists in the house?

Stinging nettle?

Nope

Can you describe the leaf shape?

Originally Posted by Dougie

I had a sheepish look back up to what I ran through and saw a wee plant (sorry no pics!) that looked sort of like your typical cartoon mistletoe?

Yep.

My bad, Was there alot of it or just the one plant? Is that a mistletoe? I googled it and there were different types.

Onga onga i bet

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Originally Posted by CreepingDeath

Onga onga i bet

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+1

Nasty shit.

Ongaonga will be growing like crazy now. Often around the edges of creeks and anywhere a bit damp. It can kill a dog pretty easy.

Stinging Nettle can kill

It always called anything with white hairs that stings stinging nettle- not up with the names :rolleyes:
Always manage to grab a bit when walking in or out in the dark
shit sacred one day il Arse up face first in the shit and that would be bad!
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Dougie these Guys are very likely correct and so was Toby. Onga onga is a stinging nettle. There are a few different types and they all burn like crazy when the tiny hairs penetrate the skin. Too much of it can have dire consequences. You can guarantee when in the bush that if you jump across a stream and reach out to grab a hold of something to steady yourself that it will be Onga onga that you grab. Prick of a stuff.

I learnt the hard way not to touch it, Dad said don't touch it it stings so I poked it with my finger.

Originally Posted by Rushy

Dougie these Guys are very likely correct and so was Toby. Onga onga is a stinging nettle. There are a few different types and they all burn like crazy when the tiny hairs penetrate the skin. Too much of it can have dire consequences. You can guarantee when in the bush that if you jump across a stream and reach out to grab a hold of something to steady yourself that it will be Onga onga that you grab. Prick of a stuff.

And if the nettles are there waiting for you the bush lawyer will be. At least that just leads to 5mins of swearing.