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Nature

Manchineel Tree

What is manchineel tree?

· Emily Grant

Key facts

Scientific name Hippomane mancinella[1]
Family Euphorbiaceae[1]
Common name tree of death[1]
Native range Caribbean, Florida, Bahamas, Mexico, Central America, northern South America[1]
Height up to 12 meters (40 feet)[2]

The manchineel tree (*Hippomane mancinella*) is a highly toxic flowering plant in the spurge family, native to tropical coastal areas of the Caribbean, Florida, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Its sap, fruit, and bark are poisonous, earning it the nickname "tree of death."

Context

The manchineel tree (*Hippomane mancinella*) is a flowering plant in the spurge family, native to tropical coastal areas of the Caribbean, Florida, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America [1]. It is often called the "tree of death" because its sap, fruit, bark, and other parts are toxic [1]. The tree grows up to 12 meters (40 feet) tall and is found mostly on sandy beaches of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, including Florida [2]. Nearly all parts are poisonous, and even rainwater dripping off the leaves can burn skin [4]. The fruit is sweet-scented and borne singly or in pairs [2]. This tree is a striking example of nature's defenses, but it demands respect and distance [1].

Documented claims

  • Nearly all parts of the manchineel tree are poisonous and contain toxins. [2]
  • Contact with the sap can cause severe skin irritation and blistering. [3]
  • Sap in the eyes can cause temporary blindness. [3]
  • Burning the wood releases toxic fumes. [3]

Related

Maple TreeMaple trees are a common type of tree that readers might want to compare with the manchineel tree.Yew TreeYew trees are another toxic tree species, which is relevant to the manchineel's poisonous nature.

Questions and answers

Can you eat manchineel fruit?

No, the fruit is poisonous and should never be eaten. Nearly all parts of the tree contain toxins [2].

Can you touch the manchineel tree?

Touching the tree is dangerous. Contact with the sap can cause severe skin irritation and blistering [3].

What happens if sap gets in your eyes?

Sap in the eyes can cause temporary blindness [3].

Is it safe to burn manchineel wood?

No, burning the wood releases toxic fumes [3].

Sources

  1. Manchineel Apple of Death - PMC - NIH — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. The Manchineel, or 'Death Apple,' Is the World's Most Dangerous Tree — science.howstuffworks.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. 35 Facts About Manchineel Tree — facts.net (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. This Tropical Tree Is So Dangerous That Even Rainwater Dripping Off It Can Burn Your Skin — allthatsinteresting.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature