Dendrocnide moroides

High school (ages 12+)
Animals & Nature

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/dendrocnide-moroides

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the scientific name?Dendrocnide moroides
2. What is the habitat?Rainforest areas of Malaysia and Australia
3. What is the Gympie-Gympie plant?The Gympie-Gympie is a plant called Dendrocnide moroides. It is famous for its very strong sting that can make you feel itchy and painful for a long time.
4. Why does the Gympie-Gympie sting so badly?Its surface has tiny, hollow hairs that break when touched. These hairs inject a special venom that keeps burning and itching for a long time.

Urticating Trichomes: Microscopic, stinging hairs on plants that inject irritants or toxins upon contact.
Bioactive Compounds: Substances produced by living organisms that have an effect on biological systems.
Evolutionary Adaptation: The process by which organisms become better suited to their environment over time through natural selection.