There’s a tree capable of stinging, blinding, and even killing you with its explosive seeds, if you’re not careful.
Would you like to know more about this misunderstood plant? Stick around and we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the dynamite tree.
The most dangerous tree in the world
The thundering Ceiba, also known as Jabillo, dynamite tree, monkey no climb tree, and Sandbox Tree, is perhaps the most dangerous species for humans and other animals.
This is due to a large number of defense mechanisms (one more deadly than the previous one) that this plant possesses.
This tree is equipped with a repertoire of the most diverse weapons, which seems to shout: “get away” to those who dare to approach.
From very sharp thorns distributed throughout its trunk to sap that is completely toxic to human skin, we can assure you that you don’t want to be around this tree without adequate protection.
But why is this tree so toxic?
All parts of this tree are toxic, but its seeds and sap are even more so because they apparently contain a chemical very similar to castor oil, which can cause death in large quantities.
However, in small amounts, it can induce moderate to severe allergic reactions.
So, the problem is not only eating the seeds of the fruit but touching the sap can cause severe dermatitis.
Also, if the sap comes in contact with the mucosa of the eyes it can cause temporary blindness, so you must be extremely careful with this tree.
In the meantime, let’s take a look at some other main characteristics of the tree.
Characteristics of the Sandbox tree
Scientific name
Hura crepitans.
Location
The species Hura crepitans is native to the intertropical regions of the Americas.
This tree is distributed from the southeastern United States and Central America to the Amazon region and the Orinoco basins in northeastern South America.
Therefore, it can be found in countries such as:
The Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Jamaica, Guyana, French Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, and Venezuela among others.
In addition, the tree was introduced to the African continent, where it is now considered an invasive species.
Note: in each country, the tree has a different common name, so be aware of the tree’s appearance.
In Colombia, for instance, it is known as Ceiba tronadora. It is found in different parts of the country, particularly in regions with tropical climates, such as the Amazon region and the Orinoco basins. You may come across the Sandbox Tree while trekking through forests or exploring national parks. For a safe and memorable journey in this biodiversity hub, consider partnering with the best Colombia tour operators who can guide you through the country’s natural wonders with expertise and care.
Fruit
The fruit of the Sandbox tree resembles a small pumpkin (between 5 and 8 cm in diameter).
Initially, its fruit is green but it turns brown as it ripens.
Then, when the fruit dries out sufficiently, it shrinks and then explodes, hence the name “dynamite”; the fruit’s explosion causes a great roar.
Thus, it releases flattened seeds 2 cm in diameter, protected by very hard wooden shells.
Explosive seeds?
The purpose of this explosion is to enable the tree to spread its seeds as far as possible to colonize as much fertile ground as possible.
You don’t want to be near the explosion
The above can be very dangerous for anyone near the explosion; even though the seeds are small, they can reach great velocities.
In fact, some claim that the seeds can accelerate up to 70 meters per second or 252 kilometers per hour, which is the minimum threshold needed for a projectile to cause damage to the bodies of humans and animals.
However, it is unusual for the fruits to explode at night or on rainy and humid days, as they require the warmth of a sunny day for the explosion to occur.
Is it edible?
Eating the fruit raw would most likely cause symptoms of poisoning, such as:
- Vomiting.
- Severe cramps.
- Diarrhea.
However, it is safe to eat it if cooked.
Height
The Sandbox can reach heights of up to 60 meters. However, the average height of this species is approximately 30 meters.
It is also known to be a fast-growing species.
Likewise, the trunk of the tree has an average diameter of 100 centimeters.
These characteristics give this species great timber potential, as a lot of timber can be extracted.
Life span
The Hura crepitans can exceed 50 years.
Leaves
They are green and ovoid (egg-shaped). They are also large and can be up to 60 cm wide.
Flowers
This is a monoecious species, meaning that it has both male and female sex organs.
Thus, the male flowers grow without petals and are grouped in clusters. In contrast, the female flowers grow solitary.
Habitat
The Sandbox is a tree that requires plenty of sun exposure because it doesn’t tolerate cold; it is located at altitudes above 1000 meters above sea level and needs deep, well-drained soils that are close to water bodies such as rivers.
Timber properties of the Sandbox tree
This tree has a low-density wood, which makes it easy to work and gives good finishes.
The wood resists well to humidity but is prone to insect attack, so it is not usually used outdoors unless it has been previously treated with insecticides.
Timber uses
This is not a very commercial wood, although its use is popular in its countries of origin.
In these countries it is used for a variety of purposes, among which the following stand out:
- Structural construction (used to build beams).
- Manufacture of boats.
- Box making.
- Cabinetmaking.
- Construction of handicrafts.
- Plywood
- Firewood extraction.
On the other hand, as we have mentioned before, this wood is highly toxic. Therefore, wear protective goggles and masks to avoid contact with dust when handling this wood.
Non-timber uses
This tree is a relative of the rubber tree so it produces latex which “surprisingly” is very toxic.
However, the latex has been used by native populations for generations in fishing activities: it stuns fish and facilitates their capture.
In addition, indigenous peoples extract the oil from the seeds to be used as a laxative.
It has also been documented that some peoples such as the Kalinago (Caribbean) used the sap of the tree to poison darts during the wars fought against the Spanish conquistadors.
In any case, it is best not to handle or consume any part of the tree if one is not an expert.
Fun fact about the Sandbox Tree
Finally, we’d like to share an interesting fact with you: in the past, the wooden shells of the fruit of the Sandbox tree were used as a container to hold sand.
This was done because the sand was needed to dry the ink of the pens used for writing.
This practice continued until the end of the 19th century.
That is why the tree is known as the Sandbox tree in English-speaking countries.