The Tree that Could Kill You
If there is any tree that shouldn’t be hugged, it’s the Manchineel tree, or Hippomane mancinella. The Spanish name for the tree is manzanilla de la muerte, or “little apple of death”.
However, it isn’t just the apples of the tree that are dangerous…the entire tree itself is extremely toxic, making it one of the most dangerous tree species on the planet. The Manchineel tree is native to the Caribbean, and many of the trees have been removed. The trees that haven’t been safely removed have warning signs on them. It is also native to Florida, The Bahamas, Central America, and Mexico. In case you’re feeling sentiment towards this tree, it’s an endangered species in Florida.
Studies are still being conducted, however, to identify all of the toxins contained in this species. Yet, we do know information on a few of the toxic parts of the tree, such as its fruit and sap.
The white sap of the Manchineel tree contains various skin irritants, such as phorbol. Since this ester is very soluble in water, there is more risk of exposure to this toxin in the cases of rainfall. Rain allows the sap to spread to more areas on the tree, which makes standing underneath this tree perilous. A mere drop of this dripping poison will produce severe blisters, and the sap can produce severe allergic dermatitis. Coming into contact with the sap can also result in bullous dermatitis, keratoconjunctivitis, and even corneal epithelial defects.
The fruit, like Snow White’s apple, seems compelling at first, and even tastes quite delicious — but only for a moment. The pleasantness quickly turns to a burning and tearing sensation in the throat. Once the throat closes, a massive hemorrhage can occur. An apple from this tree won’t keep the doctor away — there might not even be time to get a doctor to save the person from drowning in their own blood.
While the Manchineel tree is toxic to basically every living thing (except for some exceptions, like the Black spiny-tailed iguana), the tree is valuable in its own way. For centuries, Caribbean carpenters have used the tree as a source of timber. The dried fruits can be used as a diuretic, and even the gum from the tree is valuable in treating edema. Besides for these medicinal and constructional uses for the tree, it also helps in the case of preventing erosion. Manchineel trees are often found among Mangroves; its roots stabilizing the sand, and the Manchineel itself also acting as a windbreaker.
All in all, be careful what trees you hug; admire from afar.
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