The World's Most Dangerous Tree
By celticeagle
@celticeagle (189820)
Boise, Idaho
October 18, 2025 5:45pm CST
Many of us know of such infamous and poisonous plants as the Castor Bean (Recinos communis), the Poisonous Hemlock (Conium maculatum), Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna) and the Opium Poppy (Papaver semniferum). But the one that always impresses me is the Manchineel Tree (Hippomane mancinella). It is the world's deadliest tree and is found in mangrove forests in Central America, the Caribbean, and the Florida Keys. The sap can cause severe blisters and blindness if it comes into contact with one's skin or eyes. Smoke from its burning wood or rainwater dripping from its leaves can bring on sores and pain in the mucus membranes. Its apple like fruit is also extremely toxic.
I have written about this tree before. I find it very amazing.
7 people like this
7 responses
@LindaOHio (222285)
• United States
19 Oct
I think I remember this tree when we were down in the Keys. Amazing.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (222285)
• United States
20 Oct
@celticeagle Yes, they put a sign in front of it warning people.
@celticeagle (189820)
• Boise, Idaho
19 Oct
I didn't either until I read about it a couple of years ago and then posted about it here. I haven't read of any efforts in that direction.
2 people like this
@id_peace (17036)
• Singapore
20 Oct
@celticeagle There should be some warning on the trees minimum to prevent people from getting into trouble by accident.
@crossbones27 (52905)
• Mojave, California
19 Oct
Sounds like a tree that does not trust people. 

2 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (40026)
• Toccoa, Georgia
19 Oct
I didn't know about that tree. Thanks for the info.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (189820)
• Boise, Idaho
19 Oct
Nor had I. I posted on here about it when I first read about it a couple of years ago.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (135601)
• Marion, Ohio
19 Oct
@celticeagle I must have missed it or forgot
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189820)
• Boise, Idaho
19 Oct
That's for sure. I'm glad I don't live in any of those areas. And what about people's pets?
2 people like this








