'Gympie-Gympie' plant aftermath: Mum who fell in Cairns on painful struggle ... trends now The Gympie-Gympie is a species of Australian stinging tree that can grow to 4-5 metres, but is most often found as a smaller shrub around 0.1-1 metre tall. The 'suicide plant' is most commonly found in Gympie in southern Queensland to Cape York Peninsula, but can also be grown in northern NSW. The plants tend to grow in sunny areas protected from the wind, along the edges of streams, walking tracks and roadways through the forest. How is it different to other Australian stinging trees? There are four common species of Australian stinging tree, two being large rainforest trees that can grow up to 35m, the others small shrub-like bushes The smaller of the species have a more painful poison, and are responsible for the most stings due to their size and accessibility All four species have a stinging mechanism, however the Gympie-Gympie is considered to have the worst sting, comparable to a scorpion or spider bite The 'suicide plant' is the most toxic of the six Australian species of stinging trees and one of the most poisonous plants in the country How does it deliver its sting? The toxic nettle has small hairs covering the entire plant that deliver a potent neurotoxin when touched. The small bulb at the tip of the stinging hairs breaks off and penetrates the skin to deliver a toxin, similar to that of a self-injecting hypodermic needle. The tiny hairs can become embedded in the skin and cause excruciating pain in humans for weeks and even months. The injured area becomes covered with small, red spots joining to form a red, swollen welt, in more severe cases a liquid will drip from the skin. How can the sting be treated? Experts say it is important not to rub the affected area, as this can break the tiny hairs and make them difficult to remove. After applying diluted hydrochloric acid to neutralise the plants peptide coating, wax strips can then be used to remove the hairs. How to reduce the risk of being stung Stay on the designated path, wear closed shoes and long pants Always carry a first-aid kit when bush walking complete with diluted hydrochloric acid, wax strips and latex gloves in case Source: National Geographic All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility