Here in the U.S., we have a range of iconic trees. From the beautiful east coast Loblolly Pines to the California Redwoods, the trees have seen centuries’ worth of American history unfold. While many of historic trees are worth visiting, there are some that folks should stay far, far away from. These trees grow in Florida and are known as the toxic Manchineel tree. While the Manchineel is largely endangered, it still grows in clusters near brackish waters. Here’s more on this devilish tree and why you should flat out run if you spot one:
The deadly Manchineel tree, Hippomane mancinella, is located in the Caribbean, Mexico, South America and in parts of southern Florida.
Scott Hughes/flickr
What makes this tree so utterly horrifying is that just about every part of it can be deadly. Should you come across this warning sign, be sure to heed caution.
ellentk/flickr
For starters, the fruit the tree bears looks, smells, and tastes exactly like an apple. Take just a bite of this evil fruit, though, and you’ll have difficulty breathing an an intense heat that could be fatal.
Jason Hollinger/flickr
Yet the fruit is actually the LEAST poisonous part of the Manchineel tree. The sap is the most toxic of all, and just a tiny drop can burn your skin in the same way acid would and eventually cause agonizing blisters.
Thoughty2/YouTube
In fact, the tree is so poisonous that you could be in danger just standing near it. Breathing in particles of the sap or even catching a bit of rainwater runoff from the tree could also be fatal.
Thoughty2/YouTube The poisonous origins of these trees are unknown, yet aboriginals used the sap as weapons. Historians believe this is how the explorer Juan Ponce de Leon was killed in 1521.
While the tree is relatively rare in southern Florida, visitors should be aware that it’s most commonly found in the Flamingo section of Everglades National Park.
Andrew Bovingdon/flickr While most of these trees are labeled at the base with warning, it’s best to stay far away from any tree that may even remotely resemble a Manchineel. You can’t be too careful!
Did you know about the world’s most poisonous tree that happens to grow in parts of Florida? Be sure to share with us!
Scott Hughes/flickr
ellentk/flickr
Jason Hollinger/flickr
Thoughty2/YouTube
The poisonous origins of these trees are unknown, yet aboriginals used the sap as weapons. Historians believe this is how the explorer Juan Ponce de Leon was killed in 1521.
Andrew Bovingdon/flickr
While most of these trees are labeled at the base with warning, it’s best to stay far away from any tree that may even remotely resemble a Manchineel. You can’t be too careful!
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