Manchineel tree

The Manchineel tree (Hippomane mancinella, the sole species in the genus Hippomane) is a species of flowering plant in the family Euphorbiaceae, native to the Caribbean and in Central America. It is one of the most poisonous trees in the world. The name "manchineel" is from Spanish manzanilla or, little apple, from the superficial resemblance of its fruit and leaves those of an apple tree.

It is a tree reaching up to 15 metres high with a greyish bark, shiny green leaves and spikes of small greenish flowers. Its fruits, which are similar in appearance to an apple, are green or greenish-yellow when ripe.

The manchineel tree can be found near to (and on) coastal beaches. It provides excellent natural windbreaks and its roots stabilise the sand, thus helping to prevent beach erosion.

The tree and its parts contain strong toxins. Allegedly, standing beneath the tree during rain may cause blistering. (A distinct sign is that it will secrete a white milky substance during rainfall.) Burning the tree may cause blindness if the smoke reaches the eyes. The fruit can also be fatal if eaten. Many trees carry a warning sign, while others may have a red X marked on the trunk to indicate danger.

The Caribs used the sap of this tree to poison their darts and were known to poison the water supply of their enemies with the leaves. As a form of torture they would tie victims to this tree and leave them exposed to the elements.

The heroine of Giacomo Meyerbeer's opera L'Africaine commits suicide by lying under the manchineel tree and inhaling the poisonous vapours.

The word Manchineel is also slang. It was first used to describe hands when they are discolored. It now can mean anything ranging from discolored hands to sweating hands or any hand related abnormality.

Hippomane mancinella Hippomane mancinella Hippomane Manşinel