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Spurge nettle [Cnidolscolus stimulosus] |
| This Spurge Nettle flower, along with its colorful visitor, was photographed at a public beach access point along Route A1A on Amelia Island, Nassau County, Florida on September 6, 2006. As the Latin specific name implies, the urticating hairs on this plant contain a caustic irritant that inflicts a painful sting to those who contact it with bare skin. It can cause a painful, irritating rash and can cause more serious reactions with some people. An intimate encounter with this plant, which is very common in some areas of northeast Florida, is not soon forgotten. The small insect is believed to be a male Soft-winged Flower Beetle of the genus Collops. |
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![Spurge nettle [Cnidolscolus stimulosus]](otala1b.jpg)
