Random Utterly Bizarre Effects That Plants And Fungi Can Induce (12 items)

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  (#2) The Scent Of One Fungus Can Supposedly Cause Orgasms

  This unnamed fungus from the Dictyophora genus was first discovered in 2001, by medical scientists who were investigating mushrooms in Hawaii. Growing only near volcanoes where lava once flowed, the fungus is known in the area as a powerful aphrodisiac. That reputation comes largely from the belief that the fungus can induce orgasms in any woman who smells it. The claim sounds outrageous, but tests conducted by the researchers found that many of subjects did experience "spontaneous orgasms" when smelling the fungus. They speculated that some chemicals given off by the mushroom might be similar to hormones released during sexual activity.
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  (#3) The Gympie-Gympie Tree Causes Burning Pain That Can Last For Years

  Stinging nettles can, well, sting, but some types can actually be dangerous. Take the Gympie-Gympie stinging tree, for example, a type of Australian plant (Dendrocnide moroides). Its sharp hairs are able to penetrate even thick protective gear, and the plant causes a stinging sensation that has been described as "like being burnt with hot acid and electrocuted at the same time." This pain will often last for up to two weeks before subsiding. In some cases, though, it can last for two years, putting victims under constant stress and pain that does not seem to respond to any sort of treatment.
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  (#9) The Tree Nettle Can Cause Paralysis Or Death

  Stinging nettles typically contain small amounts of poison. But not Urtica ferox, also known as the tree nettle - it contains several different types of toxins. Upon contact, the tree nettle attacks the nervous system, causing almost complete paralysis and blindness.

  While only a few stings are necessary to kill small animals, there has only ever been one reported human fatality from contact with the plant. Most people fully recover after a few days of hospital treatment.
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  (#5) The Ivory Funnel Will Make You Sweat And Cry Uncontrollably

  Officially called Clitocybe dealbata, the ivory funnel or sweating mushroom is a fungus that is common throughout parts of North America and Europe. It can induce several unusual side effects, thanks to the toxin muscarine. There is a reason it's called the sweating mushroom: consuming small amounts of it can cause a person to sweat profusely. Saliva production is also increased, as is tear flow, leading to uncontrollable crying.

  If eaten in large enough doses, the mushroom can cause death from respiratory failure. However, fatal cases are rare.
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  (#8) Giant Hogweed Can Burn Through The Skin

  In 2010, giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) was found in parts of Canada for the very first time. It was an alarming discovery - this dangerous weed can burn through the skin from just brief moments of contact. The plant's sap undergoes a chemical reaction when exposed to UV light - like the rays of the sun - and causes severe burns. If giant hogweed comes into contact with someone's eyes, it can cause temporary or even permanent blindness.

  The plant's effects can be far-reaching as well. Its sap is both carcinogenic and teratogenic, meaning it can cause cancer and birth defects.
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  (#10) Bloodroot Causes Skin Cells To Kill Themselves

  Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a flowering plant with highly toxic properties. The poison contained within the flower, sanguarine, is escharotic. That means it effectively forces skin cells to kill themselves, leading to flesh and tissue burning away.

  While contact with the plant is enough to cause skin damage, the plant can be particularly harmful when it's made into a paste. Some users - believing they were applying a salve to address skin lesions or tumors - suffered massive burns.

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