The most dangerous tree in the world grows in Florida, the Caribbean and the Bahamas. The Manchineel Trees are often marked with a red band to warn passersby not to get too near it.
The tree is poisonous on so many levels that if you ever spot one, it is better you stay at least a few yards away from it. Its fruit resembles a small apple, but eating one could land you right in the emergency room. It was supposedly named 'manzanita de la muerte' (little apple of death) by Christopher Columbus. But it might just be the least dangerous part of the tree.
The manchineel's milky white sap is incredibly caustic and poisonous as well - even a drop could cause skin blisters, dermatitis, swelling or burns. This happens a lot with unsuspecting travelers who use the tree for shelter from the rains. The sap is so caustic that even the rain drops coming from the branches can cause burns. The bark is poisonous too - burning it releases a smoke that causes temporary (and in some cases, permanent) blindness. Considering all the ways it can hurt you, it's no wonder the manchineel currently holds the Guinness record for world’s most dangerous tree.
Manchineel trees have shiny green, oval leaves and can grow over 50 feet tall. They apparently lure people into a trap - providing shade and fruit that tastes sweet at first but later has devastating effects. Fortunately, injuries have been rare thanks to the warning signs about the tree’s dangers.
