Description
The manchineel tree ( Hippomane mancinella ) is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). Its native range stretches from tropical southern North America to northern South America.
The name "manchineel" (sometimes spelled " manchioneel " or " manchineal "), as well as the specific epithet mancinella , are from Spanish manzanilla ("little apple"), from the superficial resemblance of its fruit and leaves to those of an apple tree. It is also called beach apple.
A present-day Spanish name is manzanilla de la muerte , "little apple of death". This refers to the fact that manchineel is one of the most toxic trees in the world: the tree has milky-white sap which contains numerous toxins and can cause blistering. The sap is present in every part of the tree – bark, leaves, and fruit.
