It is well known that there are lots of dangerous animals in Australia, but did you know that Australia is also home to a tree so venomous that it causes a level of pain that has been known to drive people completely insane? Here we take a look at the tree known as the gympie-gympie tree and just why it is so dangerous.
The Gympie Gympie Tree
The gympie-gympie tree is an unassuming looking tree with green heart-shaped leaves that exists in the Australian Bush. It is covered in tiny little hairs that are able to administer a potent neurotoxin to people who touch it, much like things like stinging nettles can do. While the venom of the gympie-gympie is not actually capable of killing a human or a large mammal, the intensity of the pain that it causes and how long this pain lasts has meant that some people who have been stung by the tree have committed suicide from the pain, meaning it has claimed a lot of lives despite not actually having a fatal poison. As well as humans, there have been reports of horses that have come into contact with the tree becoming mad from the pain and running off of cliffs. It really is a terrifying plant!
The Pain Caused by the Tree
The pain that someone experiences when they have brushed up against the leaves of the gympie-gympie has been described as being set on fire and electrocuted at the same time! However, unlike things like being stung by a hornet or scorpion, or even bitten by a snake, the pain does not go away once the venom has been removed, or after some time has passed. The painful effects of contact with this tree can last for months or even years. This is one of the reasons why it has such a serious effect on the sanity of people who have been affected by it. While the pain is intense, it is the fact that it is intense and is going to be there for a long time that makes the gympie-gympie tree such a big problem if you run into one.
Don’t Worry!
If reading this scary nature fact about the gympie-gympie tree has made you want to look at at the best electric chainsaws to use to cut down every tree you see, it is important to remember that this tree is rare and is only found in places in Australia where people do not very often go. You are very unlikely to ever see one of these trees even if you live in Australia. It is just an interesting fact that one of the most dangerous things you might run into in Australia is not a great white shark, a crocodile, or a deadly viper, but actually a humble-looking green plant.
Take a look at some of the other interesting nature facts on this website to learn more fascinating stuff like this!
FAQ
What is the gympie gympie tree?
The gympie-gympie tree is an unassuming looking tree with green heart-shaped leaves that exists in the Australian Bush. It is covered in tiny little hairs that are able to administer a potent neurotoxin to people who touch it, much like things like stinging nettles can do.
Will the gympie gympie tree kill me?
While the venom of the gympie-gympie is not actually capable of killing a human or a large mammal, the intensity of the pain that it causes and how long this pain lasts has meant that some people who have been stung by the tree have committed suicide from the pain, meaning it has claimed a lot of lives despite not actually having a fatal poison. As well as humans, there have been reports of horses that have come into contact with the tree becoming mad from the pain and running off of cliffs. It really is a terrifying plant!
