There’s a danger in Florida that many residents and visitors do not know about: a very poisonous tree called the Manchineel. According to Guinness World Records, the Manchineel is considered the most dangerous tree in the world. It grows naturally in South Florida and even produces small fruits that look like little apples. Its name comes from a Spanish word that means “little apple.”
At first glance, it doesn’t seem like a threat, but researchers from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) warn that every part of this tree can harm people. So, let’s learn more about the Manchineel, shall we?
What makes this tree so dangerous
The Manchineel is often called ‘’Tree of Death’’ because all of its parts are poisonous: its leaves, bark, twigs, and even the fruit produce a toxic sap. This sap is a thick liquid that comes out of the tree and can cause serious problems if it touches human skin.
Researchers from the UF/IFAS explain that the sap can create burn-like blisters when it comes into contact with the skin. Even the smoke from burning Manchineel wood is dangerous. People have reported eye inflammation and even temporary blindness after being exposed to smoke from the Manchineel.
Some people say they do not react strongly to the sap on their skin, but experts warn that eating any part of the tree can be deadly. Because of these risks, it is extremely important to avoid touching or tasting anything from the Manchineel.
Researchers say that Native Americans once used the poisonous sap from the Manchineel to coat their arrows when hunting. This shows how powerful and dangerous the poison is.
Where’s the Manchineel today?
The Manchineel is actually an endangered species, and in Florida it can be found mostly in the Everglades (especially in Monroe County and Miami-Dade County). Because of this many residents may never encounter it at all.
Stay away from the Manchineel
Imagine standing under this tree during rain can be dangerous because rainwater can mix with the poisonous sap and drip onto your skin, causing irritation and injuries. For example, some students who stood under a Manchineel tree during a storm developed skin problems and eye inflammation. This shows that even without touching the Manchineel directly, people can still be harmed.
There is also a famous example from more than twenty years ago. A doctor accidentally tasted the fruit from a Manchineel tree and she described the fruit as pleasantly sweet. However, she soon felt a strange peppery sensation in her mouth that turned into severe burning and tightness in her throat. The symptoms were extremely painful and lasted about eight hours before they finally went away.
This is why warning signs and red rings are often placed around Manchineel trees to alert visitors to help people recognize the tree and stay at a safe distance.
So…
Remember that nature can be beautiful, but it also deserves respect. Knowing which plants are dangerous and how to stay safe lets you enjoy the outdoors without risking harm. It’s clear why the Manchineel has earned the nickname “Tree of Death’’ because it’s a reminder that some of the most dangerous things in life aren’t always obvious at first glance—sometimes, danger is hiding right under a canopy of green leaves.