Completely out of my element here. Experts like Nigel Cowburn and Pete Hillman should be consulted for plants.
The plant here was discovered in the large Tom Yawkey Wildlife preserve. A second patch was found recently.
This is a Hedge Nettle, a new species of Hedge Nettle. So far, this is it. Currently 2 patches of the plant are known to exist.
Both patches are in this preserve, where people are allowed only with an appointment and a guide (8-12 people guide tours are being sort out right now).
Since people would never find this plant the biggest danger is hurricanes and Alligator poop. Probably not in that order.
You’re very kind – thanks for the ‘Nigel’ link! Interesting about the nettle. We have native nettle. I’m not sure how many, but one in particular is a very vigorous grower and stinger, and its dangerous! Nettles are necessary for our red admiral and yellow admiral butterflies.
Nettle I know always gave a sting when touched. The area where this new species lives is away from people so it’s not surprising to find it there.
You wouldn’t have come across anything like the viciousness of Urtica ferox, our native giant nettle, endemic actually, to NZ. The ‘ferox’ bit of its name says it all! It typically grows 1-2 metres but can be up to 3m! I’ve emailed you an info sheet that has a large photo. You’ll be glad you haven’t got it there!
Will look, thanks. Might keep the Alligators at bay though.