The Daintree rainforests is home to one of the highest populations of primitive flowering plants in the world. Of 19 primitive plant families on earth, 12 are found in the Daintree. A similar number of primitive families are found in all the rainforests of South America, including the Amazon Rainforest. These ancient plant families may hold secrets to a number of unanswered questions regarding the origins of the flowering plants - plants on which the human race depends for food and medicines.

Of Australia's 36 mangrove species, 28 are found in the Daintree region.

Every plant in the rainforest is placed in relation to other plants to serve a special role. Many plants cannot survive without the characteristics of another plant along side it.

It is impossible to list every plant and tree species in the Daintree Rainforest, so only a few notable plants are listed here. Needless to say, a great appreciation of the scope and variety of life in this part of the world can only be gained by visiting to the area itself.

Idiot Fruit
One of the most primitive of all the flowering plants in the Daintree Rainforest, this uniquely named plant was discovered only recently in 1970.
This plant has a quirky history relating to its discovery.

Four cattle belonging to local farmer John Nicholas from the Daintree Tea Company were unexpectedly found dead in their paddock. A veterinary officer was summoned to check the reasons for the death of the four cattle, and while he was at the property he witnessed the death of two more. Autopsies revealed the partly chewed remains of large seeds in the cattle's stomachs. After scientific examination, it was found that that the seeds produced a poison similar to strychnine, and they were responsible for the death of the cattle. These seeds were from the Idiot Fruit.

Blue Quandongs
This is a giant of the rainforest. The Blue Quandon is an integral part of the rainforest canopy layer, hiding the sun from plants below it. It has a blue fruit about 3cm in diameter.

Burrawang Palm
A member of the Cycad family, this palm produces highly toxic seeds.

Wild Ginger
Members of the ginger family often contain poison, so an intricate knowledge of the types of ginger plants is required before attempting to eat any. This ginger grows up to six metres high, and is occasionally used to supplement drinking water for hikers who are thirsty. By chopping the ginger near the ground, water will drain out of the stem.

Flora to avoid.

Wait-a-while vine
Watch out for these vines when hiking through the rainforest. The thin strands of vine are covered with small spikes that grab clothing, rip at skin, and generally tear up anything that comes within reach of them. The vines hang from large trees to the rainforest floor and can be gathered in thick clumps in places.

Stinging Tree
This is a tree to be avoided at all costs. Any cost.

It has large leaves that look harmless, but they are covered with thousands of microscopic pricks that embed themselves into skin if touched. And these little blighters itch like crazy. So just remember not  to touch them because you'll go through a lot of pain and trouble!

To relieve the pain, there is little you can do. Applying vinegar to the irritated area may help slightly, but it is wise to visit a hospital for any stinging.