Some plants produce phytochemicals to act as defense against herbivory.
For example, the Manchineel tree (Hippomane mancinella), often dubbed the “tree of death,” is one of the most toxic trees in the world, employing a potent chemical defense to deter herbivores and humans alike.
Every part of the tree—its bark, leaves, and deceptively sweet-looking fruit—contains strong toxins, including phorbol esters, which cause severe skin irritation, blistering, and even temporary blindness if the sap contacts the eyes.
Rain dripping off its leaves can carry enough toxin to burn skin, and standing beneath it during a storm or touching the tree can result in serious injury.
Ingesting its fruit, which looks like a small apple, can lead to intense gastrointestinal distress or fatal poisoning.
The Manchineel’s chemical defenses serve as a powerful deterrent in its native tropical habitats, where it grows along coastal areas from Florida to northern South America.
*Take home lesson:* Don’t get too comfortable while on a tropical beach vacation and fall asleep under any unknown beach tree!
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