Manchineel Fruit
Hippomane mancinella
Markings and exact colorations may vary.
Toxic — don't touch. A small green-yellow fruit like a crab apple, or its ridged woody seed.
- Typical size
- 1–2 in
- How often it turns up
- Rare
- Collecting
- Check local rules
- Handling
- May irritate skin
Don't collect it. The tree is rare in Florida and grows mainly in protected areas.
Every part of the tree is poisonous. The sap blisters skin and eyes, the fruit is dangerous to eat, and smoke from burning it harms eyes and lungs. Don't handle, taste, or burn it, and never shelter under the tree in rain. Rinse skin with water if you touch it.
How to tell it apart
- Small round green-to-yellow fruit like a little apple
- Woody, irregular ridged seed core once the flesh rots
- Found in South Florida and the Keys near coastal hammocks
Found one?
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