Despite the risk of a painful sting which can last for months on end, an Oxford man has grown one of the world’s most dangerous plants in his house.

Daniel Emlyn-Jones, of Divinity Road in East Oxford, has cultivated the gympie-gympie, a member of the nettle family which is notorious for its venom that causes an extremely painful and long-lasting sting.

Housed in a black cage with a danger sign, the shrub - which originates from Australia - is reputed to be the most venomous plant in the country, if not the world.

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Oxford Mail: The gympie-gympie is one of the most dangerous plants in the world The gympie-gympie is one of the most dangerous plants in the world (Image: Ed Nix)

When a person comes into contact with the gympie-gympie they will feel an immediate and severe burning sensation at the site of contact. The stinging will intensify during the next 30 minutes and the pain can last for weeks and months, with victims unable to sleep or work due to the unbearable agony.

In some cases, people have been hospitalised following contact with the gympie-gympie and there have been alleged suicides with people unable to cope with the pain.

Online tutor Mr Emlyn-Jones is no stranger to growing exotic and unusual plants.

Oxford Mail: The gympie-gympie in Mr Emlyn-Jones' house The gympie-gympie in Mr Emlyn-Jones' house (Image: Ed Nix)

Last summer, after years of trying, he successfully grew bananas in his front garden.

The 49-year-old told this newspaper that he wants to promote an interest in plants by cultivating unique flora.

“I don't want to come over as a loon. I'm doing it very safely.

“Some botanic gardens have these plants as interesting specimens,” he said.

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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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