Health
Queensland researchers expose secrets of Australia’s venomous tree – Brisbane Times
The Gympie-Gympie tree delivers a painful, long-lasting sting and Queensland researchers are a step closer to understanding its venom.
The chemical structure is very different but its properties are very similar to how animal venoms cause pain, Professor Vetter said.
That was very surprising because to my knowledge its the first time a plant has evolved a similar molecule mechanism to an animal to inflict pain.
The Gympie-Gympie is found from northern NSW to Cape York, and looks like an unassuming shrub from a distance.Credit:University of Queensland
You could probably say this is the first venomous plant.
An animal is said…
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