Image:Ongaonga close-up.jpg

Close-up of ongaonga leaves and hairs. Photo taken 5 March 2004 below Kenepuru Saddle, Queen Charlotte Walkway, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand.

Ongaonga (Urtica ferox) is a New Zealand tree nettle. Skin contact with the hairs is very painful. (I'm speaking from experience, unfortunately.) The toxins they release can reportedly lead to convulsions and death.

The hairs shown in this photo were up to 5 mm in length.

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