Tragia balfourii is a species advertising a sinister side to it – stinging hairs, just like a stinging nettle. I did not have an encounter with its stings, as I did not brush against one, nor wore shorts, but I have no plan on feeling a sting.
It is not known why it has evolved to such a stinging beast, as before humans and their goats and cattle there are no known browsers that could threaten it, and insects are not deterred by such hairs. Some goats are not fuzzy and will will it, so will camels.
This is the only stinging plant species on Socotra.
It is endemic to Socotra.
Last updated on 8 November 2024
