A really mean poison

Spiders, snakes, jellyfish: Australia is known for its numerous poisonous animals. But the flora of the fifth continent also has a lot to offer. The Australian stinging nettle is one of the most poisonous plants in the world, whose touch can cause extreme pain. Researchers have now found out what's behind it. Barbara Barkhausen, who has a weakness for everything poisonous in this country, has done some research for us and spoke to Trudi Latour about it on the phone.

Der Australische Brennessel-baum Dendrocnide Excelsa Source: Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland

So sehen die Blüten der Dendrocnide moroides aus Source: Dick van Toorn Wiki Commons