The Manchineel tree earns its ominous nickname: every part of it contains potent toxins that can blister skin on contact during rain, cause temporary blindness if sap touches the eyes and prove fatal if its small, apple-like fruit is ingested.
How the tree’s toxicity affects humans
Standing beneath its branches during rainfall exposes skin to a toxic solution that causes painful blistering. Contact with the sap, particularly in the eyes, leads to severe irritation and temporary blindness. Historical accounts, such as that of 18th-century explorer Nicholas Cresswell, warn that consuming just one of its fruits contains enough poison to kill twenty people.
Why warnings are now common in its native range
Due to the extreme danger posed by the Manchineel, authorities in regions where it grows — including the Caribbean, Florida, the Bahamas, and parts of Central and South America — often mark the trees with red crosses or bands. These visual alerts aim to prevent accidental contact by residents, hikers, and tourists unfamiliar with its lethal properties.
What makes the Manchineel the most poisonous tree in the world?
Its toxicity is unique because all parts of the tree — bark, leaves, sap, and fruit — contain strong phytotoxins, including phorbol esters, which cause severe skin and mucous membrane reactions. No other known tree combines such widespread and immediate danger across multiple exposure routes.
Can the Manchineel be safely handled or removed?
Only trained professionals with protective equipment should attempt to handle or remove Manchineel trees, as even indirect contact with tools or smoke from burning its wood can cause injury. Public advisories strongly recommend against any interaction without expert supervision.