Hippomane mancinella

[epicure3]

Manchineel

The manchineel tree is the most poisonous tree in the world, and should be avoided. Its fruit and leaves resemble those of an apple tree. Contact with the manchineel tree can cause severe medical problems. The milky sap causes blistering, burns, and inflammation when in contact with the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes. The leaves, bark, sap and fruit of the tree are all poisonous. Contact with any of these causes contact dermatitis symptomised by painful blisters. Eating the fruit, which has a very sweet smell and a pleasant taste, can be deadly. Swallowing even a tiny amount of the fruit will cause blisters and swelling in the mouth and throat.

Standing under the tree is hazardous if it is raining. The water passing through the leaves and fruit will cause burns and blisters if it comes in contact with the skin. Burning this tree results in the sap being carried in the smoke and this will affect the eyes and skin of people in the vicinity. If sap (or smoke from the burning tree) enters the eyes, it can lead to blindness. The Caribs used the sap of this tree to poison their darts and were known to poison the water supply of their enemies with the leaves. As a form of torture they would tie victims to this tree and leave them exposed to the elements.

[fastfeat]

I don't think you'll have to worry in SoCal, John, but I think that this will grow in South Florida, at least in the Keys. Someone had posted pics of this at the TFTS site (now tropicalfloweringplants.com).

[epicure3]

I don't think you'll have to worry in SoCal, John, but I think that this will grow in South Florida, at least in the Keys. Someone had posted pics of this at the TFTS site (now tropicalfloweringplants.com).

Looks like 1 tree I'd be happy not to try.