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Trees of Zihuatanejo

Hippomane

Genus Hippomane

A present-day Spanish name for the Manchineel Tree is manzanilla de la muerte, "little apple of death". This refers to the fact that manchineel is one of the most toxic trees in the world: the tree has milky-white sap which contains numerous toxins and can cause blistering. The sap is present in every part of the tree – bark, leaves, and fruit. The manchineel tree provides food and habitat for some species that are immune to its toxicity.

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