Urtica Ferox, also known as the Ongaonga or Tree Nettle, is a poisonous and deadly plant native to New Zealand. It is a member of the nettle family and is considered to be one of the most dangerous plants in the world.
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Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Urticaceae |
| Genus | Urtica |
Appearance
The Urtica Ferox plant can grow up to six feet tall and has large leaves that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. The leaves are dark green and have a rough texture. The stem and leaves are covered in small, stiff spines that can cause a painful sting. The plant produces small clusters of green flowers that eventually turn into small, black fruit.
Care Guide
The Urtica Ferox plant is not recommended for cultivation due to its poisonous nature. However, if you must care for this plant, it is important to keep it away from children and pets. The plant prefers moist soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. It is hardy in zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Since the Urtica Ferox plant is poisonous, it does not have many natural predators. However, it can be affected by fungal diseases such as rust, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. It is important to handle this plant with care to avoid being stung by the spines.
Habitat
The Urtica Ferox plant is native to New Zealand and grows in forests and along riverbanks. It is also found in other parts of the world, such as Chile and Argentina, where it was introduced as an ornamental plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Urtica Ferox plant be used for medicinal purposes?
A: No, the Urtica Ferox plant is poisonous and should not be used for any medicinal purposes.
Q: How can I protect myself from being stung by the spines?
A: It is important to wear protective clothing such as gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and pants when handling this plant.
Q: Is it legal to cultivate the Urtica Ferox plant?
A: It depends on the laws in your country or state. In some places, it is illegal to grow this plant due to its poisonous nature.
Q: How can I dispose of the Urtica Ferox plant?
A: It is important to handle this plant with care and dispose of it properly. Do not compost the plant or burn it, as this can release toxins into the air. Instead, wrap the plant in a plastic bag and dispose of it in the trash.
Related Plants
- Urtica dioica
- Urtica urens
- Urtica pilulifera
References
- “Urtica Ferox.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 7 Oct. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urtica_ferox.
- “Urtica Ferox.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, n.d., powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:862166-1.
- “Urtica Ferox.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network, n.d., nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/urtica-ferox/.
