What is the most dangerous tree in the world?

Hippomane mancinella

Trees are plants that, in general, are very useful to us: some give a very pleasant shade, others give edible fruits, and there are others that have a great ornamental value. But the one that I am going to present to you in this article is one that I do not recommend to anyone, since although it is a very decorative plant, its fruits have an aspect that could lead us to make a fatal mistake since they belong to the most dangerous tree in the world.

Keep reading to know its characteristics. This will make it very easy for you to identify it in case you come across it.

Hippomane mancinella

The most dangerous tree in the world It is a plant known as the tree of death or the chamomile of death native to the coastal regions from Florida to Colombia. It is very common on several islands in the Caribbean Sea, including the island of Margarita. Its scientific name is Hippomane mancinella, and grows to 20 meters.

Its trunk is normally straight, but as it grows in sandy soils it could be the case that it collapsed, growing in a creeping way.. Both the trunk and the branches have a thick and broken bark, gray in color. The crown is rounded and globose, and is made up of simple, elliptical leaves with a leathery texture. The nerves are yellow and the petiole is long. It is evergreen, but during the dry season it usually loses part of its foliage.

Its flowers are grouped in inflorescences that are 7cm long spikes. The fruit is a globular pommel measuring about 4cm in diameter, with a glaucous and shiny skin.. Inside we will find rounded brown seeds.

Hippomane mancinella

All parts of the plant are toxic. The effects it causes are the following:

  • When breaking leaves, branches, flowers or trunk will release a whitish latex that is very irritating. Also, it can cause burns, blisters, and inflammation.
    If it gets into the eyes, it could cause blindness.
  • If ingested, it will cause death.

On the other hand, pollen is highly allergenic to the point that it can trigger severe allergic reactions in sensitive people.

So now you know: enjoy its beauty, but do not ingest it under any circumstances.


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