Characteristics
Dicots
Hippomane mancinella L.
MANCHINEEL
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All parts of this plant (including the fruit) are severely toxic, potentially causing excruciating pain, inflammation, and blistering (Mauze & Arnaud 1953; Howard 1981); fatalities have also been reported (Pitts et al. 1993). Standing under the tree during rain can also result in exposure to its toxins as several such cases have been reported (Pitts et al. 1993; Blue et al. 2011). Strickland et al. (2000) report the agonizing experience of consuming the sweet-tasting fruit. Huratoxin, a terpenoid, has been identified as one of the noxious components (Adolf & Hecker 1984).
Native
Endangered-State
FAC (NWPL)
Classification
Citation
HIPPOMANE MANCINELLA Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 1191. 1753.
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JAMAICA: Without data (lectotype: Sloane, Voy. Jamaica t. 159. 1725). Lectotypified by Wijnands, Bot. Commelins 103. 1983.
Species Distribution Map
Plant Photos
Hippomane mancinella
- USF Herbarium Slide Collection
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Hippomane mancinella
- T. Ann Williams
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Hippomane mancinella
- T. Ann Williams
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Hippomane mancinella
- Roger Hammer
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Hippomane mancinella
- Keith Bradley
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Hippomane mancinella
- Keith Bradley
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Hippomane mancinella
- Keith Bradley
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