The Manchineel Tree

plants · tropical · dangerous · poison

Super toxic sap. The manchineel tree produces a milky sap that can cause painful blistering and burns if it touches your skin, even through clothing. This poison is so potent that the tree earned the nickname 'tree of death' in tropical regions where it grows.

Poisonous fruit. The manchineel produces small apple-like fruits that look harmless but are extremely dangerous to eat. Biting into one can cause severe burning in your mouth and throat, which is why locals call the fruit 'death apples.'

Rain brings danger. Even rainwater that has dripped off the manchineel's leaves can carry the toxic sap and cause skin burns. This means you need to stay far away from the tree in any weather.

Grows in the tropics. The manchineel lives in tropical areas from southern Florida and the Caribbean all the way down to South America, thriving in warm coastal and swampy environments.

Trees are marked. In places where manchineel trees grow, they are often painted with red rings or warning signs so people know to stay away and never touch them.