Since our childhood, we have been taught about the benefits of planting trees. We have been taught to love trees and plants as they cleanse the air we breathe, offer shade from the sun, and even provide nutritious fruit. But, there exists one plant that you cannot love even if you want to. Getting too close to this tree may harm you in numerous ways. This is because it is the most dangerous tree in the world. It is called the Manchineel tree.
The manchineel tree is usually found along beaches in tropical climates that range from Florida to the Caribbean and down into parts of Central and South America. The small apple-like fruit offered by this tree is packed with poison and such is the punch that the doctors named it manzanilla de la muerte or little apple of death. While it may sound bizarre, going by the history of this tree and fruit, it can be said that people used the juice of these fruits to poison their arrows and even contaminated the water supply of the invading groups.
However, in the modern botanical literature, there are no reported instances of anyone’s death due to the consumption of this fruit. Well, the sweet taste of the fruit can still turn painful as it causes intense burning and severe swelling of your throat. In addition to that, the area around your mouth may get blisters, further leading to potentially severe digestive problems.
These are not the only dangers when it comes to this plant. Even if you decide to touch the leaves or stand beneath them during a rainstorm, it will cause blistering lesions on your skin. Moreover, a little sap from the tree or smoke from burning its wood is most likely to make you experience temporary blindness.
The tree is entirely evil but not for one lucky reptile. The deeply grown roots of the tree help prevent soil erosion while also providing a safe home and full belly for garrobo. Garrobo is a reptile or striped iguana usually found in Central and South America.
Comments
0 comment