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