Dendrocnide corallodesme (Lauterb.) Chew

Urticaceae

Chew, W.L. (1965) The Gardens' Bulletin Singapore 21 : 202.

Mango-leafed Stinger; Stinging Tree

Seldom exceeding 30 cm dbh.

Stinging hairs usually present along the midrib on the underside of the leaf blade. Leaf blades about 12-20 x 4-7 cm. Stipules about 5-10 mm long sheathing the terminal bud as in figs (Ficus spp.).

Setaceous (stinging?) hairs present on the tepals or subtending the individual flowers. Ovary about 1.5 x 0.8 mm. Style densely clothed in short, erect hairs.

Features not available.

Features not available.

Occurs in CYP, known only from Iron Range and the McIlwraith Range. Altitudinal range from near sea level to 150 m. Grows in gallery forest and drier, more seasonal rain forest. Also occurs in New Guinea.

The leaves of this species inflict a significant sting even though the stinging hairs are confined to the midrib on the underside of the leaf blade. This species can only be described as sneaky or well camouflaged as it looks innocuous and quite unlike the more common species of Dendrocnide.

Laportea corallodesme Lauterb. in K.Schumann & C.A.G.Lauterbach, Nachtr. Fl. Schutzgeb. : 252(1905), Type: Madang, District, New Guinea, jan. 1902, R. Schlechter 13840; holo: WRSL.