58. Sandbox Tree 



Hura crepitans 



POISON 



The milky sap of the sandbox tree causes severe irritation to 

 the skin of the person coming in contact with it. Its woody 

 fruits are dangerous to handle because when dry they explode 

 with a loud report, scattering seeds violently in many directions. 

 These seeds are also poisonous. The giant sandbox tree is 

 found growing at low altitudes, its trunk closely covered with 

 short, sharp spines. The fruit is about the shape of a small 

 muskmelon or pumpkin. The milky sap of the tree may be 

 mixed with sand or a similar substance and thrown into quiet 

 pools to stupefy the fish. Other names for the sandbox tree 

 are jabillo or javillo. 



