Hippomane mancinella L.

MANCHINEEL

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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)

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