Trees may seem peaceful and harmless, but some are anything but. All around the world, there are species so toxic, explosive, or dangerous that simply touching or standing near them can be risky. From trees that launch their seeds like shrapnel to ones with sap that can cause blistering or blindness, nature can be dangerous in the most unexpected ways.
Many of these trees are very beautiful, but this beauty only adds to their deceptive danger. Let’s take a look at nine of the world’s most dangerous trees.
1. Manchineel Tree – The World’s Most Poisonous Tree
The manchineel tree is also known as the “Tree of Death.” Its milky sap is toxic and can cause severe skin blistering. It can also cause blindness if the sap comes into contact with the eyes.
Standing under this tree while it is raining is also dangerous, as the water carries the poison. Its little green fruits might look delicious, but they are very deadly. One bite can be fatal, making the manchineel tree one of the most dangerous trees in the world.
2. Sandbox Tree – The Exploding ‘Dynamite Tree’
The sandbox tree’s trunk is full of sharp spikes, but that isn’t what makes it dangerous. Its true danger is in the tree’s seed pods. When these pods are ripe, they explode with a loud bang, flinging seeds at speeds up to 150 miles per hour.
The explosions from these pods can cause serious injuries to animals and even humans, which is why this tree is nicknamed “dynamite tree”.
3. Gympie-Gympie – The Stinging Tree
The gympie-gympie can be found in Australia and is known for its tiny, venomous hairs. Just brushing against its leaves can cause an agonizing sting that could last for months, causing serious pain and swelling.
If you happen to inhale these hairs, they can trigger severe allergic reactions, making this tree one of the most feared plants in its native range due to the prolonged suffering it inflicts.
4. Oleander – Beautiful but Deadly
Oleander shrubs are famous for their vibrant, colorful flowers, but every part of these plants contains potent toxins. Ingesting even small amounts of these plants can disrupt heart function and lead to fatal heart failure.
On top of that, burning oleander also releases toxic smoke that can be just as deadly as ingesting the plant. Despite these dangers, oleander remains a popular ornamental plant.
5. Strychnine Tree – Source of a Notorious Poison
The seeds of the strychnine tree are full of strychnine, which is a powerful neurotoxin that was historically used in poisons and pest control.
If you happen to consume these seeds, they can cause violent muscle convulsions, respiratory failure, and death if left untreated. This tree is extremely dangerous because of its toxins. Even minimal ingestion can result in death.
6. Milky Mangrove – Toxic Sap in Tidal Zones
Found in coastal wetlands, the milky mangrove secretes a white, milky sap that causes severe skin irritation and can temporarily blind those who come into contact with it.
This toxic sap serves as a defense against insects and animals but poses a serious hazard to humans. Even touching the bark or leaves can result in painful burns and eye damage.
7. Angel’s Trumpet – Hallucinogenic and Toxic
Angel’s trumpet is a gorgeous tree that is known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers, but it is very dangerous. Every single part of this plant has tropane alkaloids, which can cause hallucinations, paralysis, and even death if it is ingested.
Despite how toxic it is, it is still often cultivated as an ornamental plant, making accidental poisoning a huge risk for gardeners who don’t know any better.
8. Bunya Pine – Falling Cones Can Kill
The bunya pine produces huge cones that can weigh up to 22 pounds. These cones often drop from great heights without any warning.
These cones are heavy and spiky and can cause serious injuries and even fatalities when they suddenly drop on people or animals below. During cone season, warning signs are usually posted around mature trees to warn passersby of this hidden danger.
9. European Yew – Deadly Beauty
The European yew tree is another gorgeous tree on this list. However, every part of this tree, except its bright red berries, contains toxic alkaloids that can cause sudden cardiac arrest if it is ingested. The seeds inside of the berries are also poisonous.
Despite its dangers, these trees are very common in parks, gardens, and cemeteries, which makes them a hidden danger.
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