Angolan nettle

Angolan nettle (Obetia carruthersiana): This is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub that grows up to 3m high. Rocky outcrops and mountain slopes are their main habitats in central and northern Namibian regions. The smooth bark is brown with young branchlets paler with darker flecks. Both upper and lower sides of the leaves are dark green. Tiny, greenish to white flowers bloom from August to December. The fruit is a nut which is encased in enlarged flower parts.

This plant is best avoided. As a nettle the stinging prickles on the stems and leaves will give off an extremely painful burning feeling when touched.