Poisonwood
ExplorePlants
Poisonwood
Metopium toxiferum
The Poisonwood tree is a special tree found in tropical areas. It has shiny green leaves and can grow very tall. But be careful! Its sap can make your skin itchy.
Habitat: Tropical forests
Appearance
The Poisonwood is a medium-sized tree with shiny, reddish-brown bark that peels in large flakes. Its leaves are glossy, bright green, often with reddish stems, and its small, yellowish-green flowers are followed by distinctive reddish-orange, berry-like fruits.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilyAnacardiaceaeGenusMetopium
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
4/5 · High
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its toxicity, White-crowned Pigeons safely eat its poisonous fruits!
Even the smoke from burning Poisonwood can cause dangerous skin and lung reactions!
Its sap turns black on contact with air and skin, leaving long-lasting dark stains!
The Poisonwood is in the same plant family as cashews and mangoes!
Special abilities
Ability
Toxic Sap Defense
Poisonwood can defend itself with a potent, clear sap that causes severe allergic reactions, deterring most herbivores and humans.
Ability
Warning Fruits
Poisonwood has bright, reddish-orange fruits that may serve as a visual warning, signaling its toxicity to many potential threats.
Ability
Coastal Resilience
Poisonwood can thrive in harsh coastal environments, thanks to its ability to tolerate salt spray and nutrient-poor soils.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 200-1500 cm
- Spread
- 300-800 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.3-0.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Deadly
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
eats
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White-crowned Pigeon
Columba leucocephala
Feeds on its ripe, toxic fruits without harm.
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Gathers nectar from its small, inconspicuous flowers.
shelters
Green Anole
Anolis carolinensis
Hides among its dense foliage from predators.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Toxic
Toxic organisms contain substances that are poisonous and can cause adverse effects upon exposure.
Poisonous
Poisonous organisms produce toxins that can cause harm when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through contact.
Endangered
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
4/5 · High
Do not touch the leaves or sap of the Poisonwood tree, as it can make your skin itchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Poisonwood?
200-1500 cm
How wide does Poisonwood spread?
300-800 cm
How big are the flowers on Poisonwood?
0.3-0.5 cm
When does Poisonwood bloom?
Spring
Is Poisonwood edible?
No
Is Poisonwood toxic?
Deadly
What is Poisonwood's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Poisonwood pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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