As if that isn’t enough, the tree can also cause serious damage if you so

much as stand under it. If it’s raining, water falling off the leaves will carry

toxins and burn the skin of anyone it touches. In fact, there are accounts of

16th-century Florida natives pressing invading Spanish conquistadors to

stand beneath the trees during the rain to burn and even blind them.

Many indigenous peoples have used the poisonous, deadly tree to their

advantage. The sap of the manchineel tree was often used for poisoning

arrows and darts, which in turn were used to control captives. Tying people

to the tree and leaving them with any exposed skin would result in

excruciating pain and burns.

Removing the tree from populated areas proves problematic. Cutting the

tree releases the squirting, spraying sap, and burning the tree turns the

toxins into a vaporous form that’s carried in the smoke. Even contact with

the smoke can leave burns on the skin and can sometimes result in

blindness.