There are approximately 3000 plant species that come from over 210 families that are found in the Daintree Rainforest. A wide range of plants come from the plant families of cycads, ferns and mosses. Some of these amazing plants overcrowd the forest floor meaning they must fight for their survival.
Rare plant species found in the gorge include:
Rare plant species found in the gorge include:
- Hope’s Cycad
- Fan Palm
- Ribbonwood tree
- White Hazelwood shrub
- Backscratcher Ginger
- Daintree Cheese Tree
- Wax Flower
- Maple Silkwood
- Hairy Aglaia
- Atherton Oak
Examples of unique flora and fauna
Stinging tree (Dendrocnide spp)
The stinging tree is an unusual plant that is avoided because of the fine hairs on the rim of the leaves. These hairs have cell walls full of silica and contain sap which acts of the nerve endings in human skin. This plant can causes pain for many months. Aboriginals discovered the best cure for this plant was to apply urine to the affected area. Before they realised the harm of this plant, the leaves were used traditionally as a cure of rheumatism which were applied directly to affected area.
The stinging tree is an unusual plant that is avoided because of the fine hairs on the rim of the leaves. These hairs have cell walls full of silica and contain sap which acts of the nerve endings in human skin. This plant can causes pain for many months. Aboriginals discovered the best cure for this plant was to apply urine to the affected area. Before they realised the harm of this plant, the leaves were used traditionally as a cure of rheumatism which were applied directly to affected area.
Lawyer Cane
Lawyer cane was used for a variety of purposes which is why it was such a significant plant to the Indigenous. Lawyer cane has edible berries and sections of cane that can be roasted and eaten. The sap is used to relieve colds and young tips chewed and swallowed to stop dysentery while water can be obtained by cutting and draining the cane. The cane is very strong and flexible which is used to make baskets, traps, shelters, handles and for binding axes. Also, the thorns can be made into fish hooks and the seeds can be used as beads.
Lawyer cane was used for a variety of purposes which is why it was such a significant plant to the Indigenous. Lawyer cane has edible berries and sections of cane that can be roasted and eaten. The sap is used to relieve colds and young tips chewed and swallowed to stop dysentery while water can be obtained by cutting and draining the cane. The cane is very strong and flexible which is used to make baskets, traps, shelters, handles and for binding axes. Also, the thorns can be made into fish hooks and the seeds can be used as beads.
Cassowary
The cassowary is an endangered species in the Daintree Rainforest, Queensland. Cassowaries are well known for their strength and especially their ability to kill. They mainly eat fruit however they will range from other plant species if necessary. Cassowaries are unique because of their unusual horn-like crests called casques on top of their head. This is suggested to be used as a tool or a weapon to defend themselves. This is a very rare and shy animal which tends to hide deep in the forest.
The cassowary is an endangered species in the Daintree Rainforest, Queensland. Cassowaries are well known for their strength and especially their ability to kill. They mainly eat fruit however they will range from other plant species if necessary. Cassowaries are unique because of their unusual horn-like crests called casques on top of their head. This is suggested to be used as a tool or a weapon to defend themselves. This is a very rare and shy animal which tends to hide deep in the forest.