cowhage
/ˈkaʊhɪdʒ/
noun
- A tropical climbing plant whose hairy seed pods cause severe itching when touched.
- The hiker brushed against a cowhage vine and immediately felt a burning itch on his arm.
- Farmers in the region avoid cowhage because its hairs can cause painful skin irritation.
- Cowhage is sometimes used in traditional medicine despite its irritating properties.