Urtica ferox, also known as Ongaonga in Maori, is sometimes called straight nettle or Taraonga, Taraongaonga or Okaoka.Unlike other herbaceous plants in Urtica, Urtica ferox is a large woody shrub
The tree is about 3 meters tall with long spines containing poison.They are sharp weapons that many animals and humans die.
The toxin in thorns of nettles Urtica ferox is triffydin (or tryfydin).This toxin contains histamine, serotonin and acetylcholine, powerful stimulants to the parasympathetic nervous system.
When hit by Urtica ferox spikes, the victim suffered a very painful reaction from a rash, itching, and dermatitis.Only 5 hemp stalks Urtica ferox are enough to kill a hamster.If there is a lot of prickly Urtica ferox stabbing, the victim may suffer from motor paralysis, hypotension, convulsions, blurred vision and confusion.
Urtica ferox nettles, the ultimate weapon of this plant, contain nerve agents that are lethal and also highly corrosive even when transient contact.
Even the victims are promptly cured, they are still capable of degenerating the nervous system, polyneuropathy.
In New Zealand, Urtica ferox nettles live in subtropical and temperate areas, Urtica ferox is very popular in the North Island but is limited to the South.In the South it is often found on the West Coast and on the Banks Peninsula.
Although nettle Urtica ferox is actually a highly toxic shrub, it also plays an important part in the development of red admiral butterflies (Vanessa gonerilla), a local butterfly.Nettle Urtica ferox leaves are favorite foods and provide protection for red admiral butterfly larvae.
In addition, nettle Urtica ferox is also used in medicine, treating diseases such as eczema, venereal, gonorrhea.Even this plant is used as a Māori food but must be specially prepared.