Manchineel tree

The manchineel tree (bot. Hippomane mancinella) is a species of plant in the spurge family. It is found in Florida in the United States, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Central America and northern South America. It has also been introduced to West Africa and the Galápagos Islands. It grows on the coast near beaches, on sandy, stony soils. Its roots stabilise the sand, thereby preventing beach erosion, and it also tolerates salt water and is resistant to wind and drought.
It is best known by its Spanish name: Manzanilla de la muerte (‘little apple of death’). This refers to the appearance of the fruit and to the fact that the manchineel tree is one of the most poisonous trees in the world. All parts of the plant contain potent toxins. When it rains, a milky sap is secreted from the leaves, which has a corrosive effect on human skin. The wood and leaves emit irritating gases when burned. The smoke from the burning wood can cause temporary blindness if it gets into the eyes. The fruit can be fatal if eaten. Many trees bear a warning sign or are marked with a red ‘X’ on the trunk.