Species of medium-sized, polymorphic, evergreen Caribbean tree native mostly to sandy beaches of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, growing to 12 meters (40 feet) in height. All parts of the tree are poisonous. It has a highly caustic latex sap and an attractive, sweet-scented apple-like fruit that has regularly poisoned Spanish conquistadores, shipwrecked sailors, and present-day tourists. The manchineel is so poisonous that smoke from its burning wood irritates the eyes, and latex from its leaves and bark causes skin inflammation. Carib Indians used the sap to poison their arrows.
