IN 1932, WALT DISNEY GAVE US Flowers and Trees,” one of his “Silly Symphonies” that reflected Hollywood’s loving, whimsical perspective of all things green and growing. It would take about 20 more years before the Dream Factory started churning out botanical nightmares, when filmmakers realized that plant life could actually be a source of terror.
It started with “The Thing from Another World,” in which a hulking humanoid alien was actually composed of vegetable matter, described by one character as a “super carrot.” “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” came a few years later, with its huge alien seed pods giving birth to identical duplicates of human beings, absorbing their features, memories and personality traits — everything except emotion — as they coldly plotted the conquest of our planet.
Next came the tongue-in-cheek “Little Shop of Horrors,” which introduced a nebbish florist’s assistant who cultivated a vampiric plant whose thirst for human blood increased with its size. And let’s not forget “The Day of the Triffids,” with its alien carnivorous plants that would kill humans to feed on their corpses. Charming.
OUTERBRIDGE
The good news is: Those were all fiction, and Florida has no otherworldly species of plants like triffids or pod people (with the exception of, perhaps, some elected officials) to worry about.
The bad news is: You’d better believe the Sunshine State harbors a few, very much terrestrial specimens that are not safe for children’s cartoons (or for children, for that matter). Chances are you won’t find them mentioned in tourism or real estate brochures either. But these plants and trees can have dire consequences for humans and pets if handled or ingested — and, yes, some of them can indeed kill.
To compile this list of 10 of the state’s most dangerous flora, Florida Weekly reached out to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. It took its media relations department some digging through their list of experts on dangerous plants in South Florida before settling on David Outerbridge, UF/IFAS county extension director with the Lee County Parks & Recreation Department’s Agriculture & Extension Service Division.
MANCHINEEL
“Here are my plants,” Mr. Outerbridge said, “and I rate them based on commonality and proximity to built environments, and have shared the various ways that plants can be poisonous. I would say that maybe just saying these are 10 of the most hazardous—ratherthana1to10(ranking) — would be more appropriate, as the level of hazard is based on so many factors.”
So turn off your TV set, put down your smartphone and put your computer on sleep mode. We are about to begin our brief survey, starting with the deadliest tree not only in Florida, but on the planet, and we’ll finish with a tree that is considered to be one of the most dangerous in the world, as well as one of the most bizarre.
MANCHINEEL (Hippomane mancinella)
In 1513, the famous Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León headed the first known European expedition to Florida. He returned to the Charlotte Harbor area of Southwest Florida in 1521 with the intention of setting up the first Spanish colony in what would later become the United States. There was only one problem: a tribe of Native Americans known as the Calusa — who did not take kindly to the prospect of having an inch of their territory be colonized, especially not by strange men wearing funny helmets. So, they fought back.
ROSARY PEA
In one of the skirmishes between the two adversaries, a Calusa arrow pierced Ponce de León’s thigh. The wound itself was not mortal but, as it turned out, that was not to be Old Ponce’s lucky day. It seems the Calusa had the nasty habit of dipping their arrowheads in the sap of the manchineel. Soon after, the famed explorer — although he did not conquer the land — bought the farm.
The name manchineel is a derivation of manzanilla, the Spanish word for “little apple.” The plant is also called a “beach apple” in the Florida Everglades, but its most appropriate moniker was given to it by the Spanish conquistadors, who called it “la manzanilla de la muerte” — literally, “the little apple of death.” True to its name, it is nothing you’d want to eat.
OLEANDER
For starters, it’s recognized by Guinness World Records as the most dangerous tree on the planet. Not just the fruit, but also every part of this tree is poisonous. Contact dermatitis, blistering of the skin, conjunctivitis with blindness for up to three days, severe gastrointestinal symptoms can all occur if you ingest any part of the manchineel. Even burning the wood may cause injury to the eyes.
In addition, Mr. Outerbridge noted, “Phorbol, a chemical isolate from the manchineel, is a tumor promoter.” Because, you know, it needs one more thing to make you want to avoid it.
The manchineel tree is most commonly found on coastal beaches and in brackish swamps, where it grows among mangroves, providing natural windbreaks, and stabilizing the sand and reducing beach erosion with its roots. However, it also has been found in the backs of homes. If you happen to find one of these unpleasant trees on your property, it is recommended that you resist any attempts to remove it yourself. Due to its toxicity, it’s best you hire a professional tree service. No need for you to find out for yourself if its nickname is accurate.
CASTOR BEAN
ROSARY PEA (Abrus precatorius)
The rosary plant has been used for many years as an ornamental in the landscapes of Florida. But don’t let its looks fool you. Although found throughout Central and South Florida, it is a non-native species whose original stomping grounds are India and parts of tropical Asia, the roots are used to induce abortion and relieve abdominal discomfort.
On the downside, the rosary pea is highly toxic and can be fatal if ingested. It produces one of the most deadly toxins found in plants, abrin. As little as the amount of abrin found in a single seed is fatal to humans.
PENCIL CACTUS
“The abrin in these seeds causes cell death and has no antidote,” Mr. Outerbridge said.
The rosary pea often invades undisturbed pinelands and hammocks, as well as pastures and roadsides. It can grow over small trees and shrubs, is difficult to remove — and its growth is actually encouraged by fire. The rosary pea is a prohibited plant, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Noxious Weed Index (bet you didn’t even know that existed).
As far as its name goes, the seeds of this deadly plant are uniform in size and weight — so much so that they’re used as standards in weight measurement, as well as to make jewelry, including rosary beads for those who are dedicated to prayer — which you’ll be doing a lot of, but not for very long, if you eat one of these.
OLEANDER (Nerium oleander)
Sometimes it’s fine for a plant to be used in landscaping — as long as you realize (and minimize) the risks. Such is the case with the oleander. Although it’s a common enough plant, it does help to remember that all parts of it are toxic if ingested. The oleander contain a naturally occurring toxin (cardenolide glycosides) that, when ingested in certain quantities, can be harmful — even fatal — to humans and pets.
ANGEL’S TRUMPET
“This is a very poisonous hedging plant that is so potent, a single leaf has the potential to be fatal,” Mr. Outerbridge warns.
According to Florida’s Poison Control Centers, symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, dizziness, low blood pressure, slow pulse and seizures.
Parents with young children who are apt to consume parts of this plant should reconsider its use in landscaping. If you decide to use oleander anyway, be sure to keep it out of reach of pets or livestock. Also, if you prune the branches, don’t burn them, as the toxins will become airborne, and inhaling the smoke may cause respiratory difficulties — which is not exactly 420.
LANTANA
CASTOR BEAN (Ricinus communis)
Georgi Markov was a Bulgarian-born novelist, screenwriter and playwright who defected in 1969 and settled in London. As a broadcaster and journalist, he became a vitriolic critic of his native country’s regime. While walking down a street in 1978, he felt a sharp sting in his leg, and turned to find a man picking up an umbrella, who apologized for poking him. Markov developed a fever later that evening — and, four days later, he was dead. A controversy was never settled about whether the umbrella was used as the vehicle of delivery, but it was widely believed that what killed the dissident was a capsule that was somehow imbedded under Markov’s skin. The capsule is thought to have contained ricin.
“Ricin is a poison present in castor bean that is highly deadly,” Mr. Outerbridge said.
The genus name Ricinus comes from the Latin term for “a kind of tick” because of the way the castor bean’s seeds resemble dog ticks. Those seeds are what can kill you.
CORAL BEAN
According to Florida’s Poison Control Centers, “Swallowing a chewed or split bean can cause bloody vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drowsiness and death from liver or kidney damage.”
The castor bean grows on a tree that grows only about 15 feet high. It is nonnative, coming from northeastern Africa and the Middle East, and is considered an invasive species.
“Commercially, castor beans are grown and processed into paint, varnish, oils, soap, ink, plastics, polishes and lubricants. Processed castor beans have also been used for fertilizer and livestock feeds. Castor oil is well-known for its medicinal uses,” writes UF/IFAS Charlotte County Extension Director Ralph E. Mitchell in his article “Best to stay away from the castor bean.”
The article’s title sounds like good advice.
DIEFFENBACHIA
PENCIL CACTUS (Euphorbia tirucalli)
Also called Indian tree spurge, milk bush, fire stick, pencil bush and pencil tree the pencil cactus is not a cactus at all, but a woody succulent. It’s native to tropical South and East Africa, Madagascar and India, and can reach heights of up to 15 feet. It is one of the least harmful on this list, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise caution.
“The sap is caustic and can burn skin or temporarily blind you if it gets in the eyes,” Mr. Outerbridge noted.
The pencil cactus is not only harmful to humans, it’s also fatal to fish. That is, the sap has been used in India as a fish poison.
ANGEL’S TRUMPET (Datura, several species)
When in bloom, the angel’s trumpet is extraordinarily beautiful. Its huge, trumpet shaped flowers can be white, yellow, orange, red or peach in color, and they release a sweet-smelling fragrance that’s especially noticeable at night. But a beast lies within the beauty.
SANDBOX TREE
The angel’s trumpet is similar to the brugmansia (Brugmansia wrightii), so Mr. Outerbridge classifies them together.
“Both very closely related, these two plants with similar flowers are highly poisonous,” he said. “Brugmansia flowers hang down, while datura face upwards. The belladonna alkaloids are heavily present in these plants and can cause deep hallucination and poisoning.”
According to Florida’s Poison Control Centers, “When flowers, leaves or seeds are eaten, problems such as dry mouth, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, fast pulse, difficult urination, confusion, flushed skin, fever, dilated pupils, blurred vision and constipation can occur.”
There ain’t nothin’ angelic about that.
LANTANA
Lantana is one of the most popular landscape plants available. There are several species found in Florida — unfortunately, the most popular is the Lantana camara, which is listed as invasive. It can grow in a variety of areas, including forests, roadsides, pastures and citrus groves, and thrives in all locations, shaded or sunny, moist or dry.
SANDBOX TREE FRUIT
However, Mr. Outerbridge notes, “Lantana is poisonous to livestock, children and animals. The toxicity of this plant likely developed as a defense against pests.”
Eating unripe berries can cause dilated pupils, blurry vision, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, flushed skin and shallow breathing, according to Florida’s Poison Control Centers.
“Lantana has taken root in our natural areas and crowded out native species,” writes David Austin with the UF/IFAS Extension in Highlands County. “It is toxic to cattle, blistering their skin in smaller doses, while possibly killing them if too much is ingested. Other animals such as cats and dogs can become sick if they ate the berries. There are also records of children dying because they consumed the berries. Invasive Lantana has hybridized with native Lantana depressa in South Florida. Because of this, this native species has become genetically contaminated and possibly threatened to become extinct.”
That almost sounds like the pod people.
CORAL BEAN (Erythrina herbacea)
Also known as the Cherokee bean and cardinal spear, the coral bean enchants with its showy red “firecracker” blossoms and bright coral seeds, making it a popular ornamental accent plant. The color and sweet nectar of the flowers are known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds — but be careful.
“It is a common Florida-friendly plant that has alkaloids (the tetrahydroisoquinoline type) in the plants and seeds that are highly poisonous,” Mr. Outerbridge said.
The coral bean plant grows from 3 to 20 feet tall. It has thorns, but they are rather small. The seeds, shiny and scarlet red, emerge in the fall — and are as dangerous as they are pretty. Coral bean seeds are supposedly used in Mexico as a rat poison. One imagine that the rats living south of the border feel the same about the coral bean as fish in India feel about the pencil cactus.
DIEFFENBACHIA
An attractive tropical indoor plant that has been popular since the Victorian era, dieffenbachia comes in many species.
“This plant is common as an indoor plant,” Mr. Outerbridge said, “but it is very toxic to children and pets, and can really irritate the skin with their calcium oxalate crystals.”
These oxalates form “raphides,” which are tiny, needle-like structures, according to the National Capital Poison Center. Touching the plant improperly can cause a rash, swelling, redness and dermatitis (skin inflammation). Getting the sap in your eye can lead to eye irritation, corneal abrasions and permanent eye damage (although this last is admittedly rare). Get it in your mouth, and you can find out why dieffenbachia is also known as “dumb” cane. The immediate pain and swelling can lead to excessive drooling, difficult or painful swallowing, and can render you dumb — as in, unable to speak.
Interestingly, the plant’s toxicity has led to its also being called “mother-in-law’s tongue,” but we won’t go there.
SANDBOX TREE (Hura crepitans)
We’ve saved the best — or, in this case, the most bizarre — for last. If there’s any flora on Earth that seems alien, this is it. Considered one of the most dangerous plants in the world, this Lovecraftian horror of a botanical specimen is an evergreen native to tropical regions of North and South America, including the Amazon rainforest. Fortunately, it can only be found in one state in the United States. Unfortunately, that state is Florida.
Everything about the sandbox tree, also called possomwood and jabillo, says, “Do not touch.” Growing up to 130 feet, its bark is covered in cone-shaped spikes — which leads us to mention one of its other names, “monkey no climb” (we’re not kidding, and we’re sure the monkeys aren’t either). But that’s not the worst of it.
The fruit of the sandbox resemble small pumpkins, but you wouldn’t want to eat them, as they cause immediate vomiting, diarrhea and cramping. As they dry out into seed capsules, they become Mother Nature’s equivalent of ticking time bombs. At maturity, these seed capsules explode with a bang that sounds a gunshot. (Did we mention the sandbox is also called a dynamite tree? People come up with some pretty appropriate nicknames for these things, don’t they?)
According to the book “Around the World in 80 Trees” by Jonathan Drori, the seeds are jettisoned with astonishing force, propelling them at speeds of up to 230 feet a second, carrying them up to 150 feet away, to prevent the new growth from competing with the parent tree. (Talk about kicking the kids out and cutting ’em out of your will.) The shrapnel can easily injure any person or animal in its path.
“If the exploding pumpkin-sized fruits that fling the seeds at speeds up to 150 mph don’t get you, the poisonous seeds — and the sap that can blind you — will,” Mr. Outerbridge warned.
It is believed that fishermen have poisoned fish (there we go again — what’s with the fish?) using the sandbox’s milky, caustic sap. Which happens to be the same substance the Caribs used to make poison arrows.
The sandbox is an ugly, nasty, dangerous cuss of a tree. But, as you have read, certainly not alone in being hazardous to humans.
So while enjoying the lush subtropical greenery that makes Florida so beautiful, keep these 10 species of plants in mind — and avoid them at all cost. ¦
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