FOOD AND TRAVEL HEALTH

Machineel Tree: This Florida Green Could Totally Murder You

manchineel tree
Written by Gary

Poisonous tree in Florida.

America’s deadliest tree is located in Florida, and is called the ‘machineel tree’ because something deadly should have a confusing name.
manchineel tree

From alligators to eccentric politicians, there are a lot of dangerous things in Florida. You don’t generally think of ‘trees’ and ‘danger’ in the same sentence. If you are visiting Florida (my home state) though, you should probably reconsider.

READ MORE: Ten Incredibly Dumb Laws, Brought to You by Florida

The Manchineel tree is found in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and South Florida. Also known as the ‘beach apple’, every part of the manchineel tree is extremely poisonous. In fact, it’s 1,000 times more poisonous than poison ivy, if that gives you any idea of what you’re in for if you brush up against one. Although the fruit is sweet, it is toxic. DO NOT MAKE A SMOOTHIE WITH THIS, NORTHERNER. DON’T EVEN TRY. The sap can cause burns and blisters from any contact with the skin, and can blind you temporarily. The sap is found throughout the branches, bark, and leaves, so basically you can’t touch the tree at all, or really get anywhere near it.

It is actually said that the sap from a manchineel tree killed Ponce De Leon, so basically if you see this tree, run in the other effing direction, unless you want everyone to make fun of you for getting murdered by a tree.

And, insurance in Florida is weird and dumb, too… so if you die by way of tree sap, there’s a good chance your life insurance policy won’t kick in. Namaste.

manchineel tree manchineel tree

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About the author

Gary

Gary is the gay guy that every girl wants to be, and every guy wants to be with (Mostly because he can't get pregnant). He is based in Manhattan, but loves traveling to exotic new people, and sleeping with interesting new places. He is an adventurous writer, digital artist, and game designer that will try almost anything if it makes a good story.
--Instagram: @garyadrianrandall --Twitter: @gadrianrandall

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