The Manchineel tree is widely distributed in the Caribbean and other tropical regions. Exposure to the tree is associated with a range of adverse effects.
Genus: Hippomanemancinella
Implicated toxin: tigliane phorbol esters
Toxic elements:
(1) sap
(2) fruit (green, about the size of a plum or tangerine)
(3) wood if burned
Source of exposure:
(1) direct contact with sap or fruit juice to skin or mucus membrane
