The Manchineel tree, Hippomane mancinella, is known for its extreme toxicity. Often called the “death tree” or “little apple of death,” it contains potent compounds. Its presence in coastal regions serves as a stark reminder of nature’s less hospitable elements.
Identifying the “Death Tree”
The Manchineel tree is an evergreen that can grow up to 40 feet tall, with a thick trunk. It has a rounded crown and features lustrous, leathery, elliptic yellow-green leaves, typically 2 to 4 inches long, with finely serrated edges. The bark is reddish-gray to grayish-brown.
Small, greenish-yellow flowers appear on spikes, followed by fruit that resembles a small apple. These fruits are green or greenish-yellow when ripe, typically 1 to 2 inches long. The tree is commonly found in sandy coastal areas and brackish swamps, growing among mangroves in Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Many Manchineel trees are marked with warning signs or a red “X” painted on their trunks to alert people to their danger.
The Dangers It Poses
Every part of the Manchineel tree, including its bark, leaves, sap, and fruit, contains potent toxins. The milky white sap holds highly irritating compounds, such as phorbol esters, which are so caustic they can strip paint.
Skin contact with the sap results in severe irritation, including redness, itching, swelling, and painful blistering, similar to second-degree burns. Even standing under the tree during rain can cause blistering, as rainwater dripping from the leaves carries the sap’s toxins. Ingesting the deceptively sweet-smelling, apple-like fruit leads to immediate and severe symptoms. These include a burning sensation, tightness of the throat, difficulty swallowing, and potential internal bleeding.
If the sap contacts the eyes, it can cause severe pain, inflammation, and temporary or permanent blindness. Inhaling smoke from burning Manchineel wood can also cause respiratory issues, severe irritation to the eyes, and temporary blindness due to airborne toxins. Historically, the tree’s sap was used by indigenous peoples to poison arrows.
First Aid and Prevention
Immediate action is necessary if exposure to the Manchineel tree occurs. For skin contact, thoroughly wash the affected area with soap and water to remove the sap. Applying cool compresses, calamine lotion, or hydrocortisone cream can help soothe the irritation, and an antihistamine may be taken for severe symptoms. If sap enters the eyes, flush them vigorously with water and seek medical attention promptly.
Ingestion of any part of the Manchineel tree, particularly the fruit, requires immediate medical attention. Swelling of the throat can impede breathing, potentially leading to fatal outcomes. To prevent exposure, avoid all parts of the Manchineel tree, including its leaves, bark, sap, and fruit. Never seek shelter under the tree during rain, as dripping water can carry toxins, and do not burn its wood. Always heed warning signs often placed near these trees in their natural habitats.