Characteristics
Dicots
Hippomane mancinella L.
MANCHINEEL
**
All parts of this plant (including the fruit) are severely toxic, potentially causing excruciating pain, inflammation, and blistering (Mauze & Arnaud 1953; Howard 1981); fatalities have also been reported (Pitts et al. 1993). Standing under the tree during rain can also result in exposure to its toxins as several such cases have been reported (Pitts et al. 1993; Blue et al. 2011). Strickland et al. (2000) report the agonizing experience of consuming the sweet-tasting fruit. Huratoxin, a terpenoid, has been identified as one of the noxious components (Adolf & Hecker 1984).
Native
Rare-State
FAC (NWPL)
**
Classification
Citation
HIPPOMANE MANCINELLA Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 1191. 1753.
**
JAMAICA: Without data (lectotype: Sloane, Voy. Jamaica t. 159. 1725). Lectotypified by Wijnands, Bot. Commelins 103. 1983.
Species Distribution Map
Based on vouchered plant specimens from wild populations. Cultivated occurrences are not mapped. Click on a county to display its name.
Source
Synonyms
Specimens and Distribution
Click on an Accession Number to view additional details about the specimen.
Counties listed:
Range of years during which specimens were collected: