The manchineel is aptly called the “Tree of Death”. A species of flowering plant, it is one of the most toxic trees in the world. Touching it can leave blisters on your skin. The fumes from burning the wood can cause blindness. Its fruit is also toxic.
The tree contains many toxins. However, it is believed most of the unsavory effects come from the organic compound phorbol. Scarily, pretty much every part of the tree contains these toxins, from its bark to its sap.
There are even stories of Caribbean tribes using the sap as an “au naturel” torture device. After tying their captives to the tree, they would then wait for the rain to wash the tree’s highly water-soluble sap over their body. The sap is so packed with toxins, contact with skin can cause blistering, burning and severe irritation.
“Burn it and send it to hell,” you might say. Unfortunately, setting fire to the wood will produce smoke, which will cause massive irritation to the eyes and is even known to cause temporary blindness.
Credit : IFL Science
Picture Credit : Google
