Hura
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Management: Symptomatic and supportive care should be given. Extensive irri-
gation should be performed for ocular or dermal exposure. Consultation with a Poison Control Center should be considered. See “Poisoning by Plants with Gastrointestinal Toxins,” p. 28. References Adolf W, Hecker E. On the active principles of the spurge family. X. Skin irritants, cocarcinogens, and cryptic cocarcinogens from the latex of the manchineel tree. J Nat Prod 1984;47(3):482–496. Rao KV. Toxic principles of Hippomane mancinella. Planta Med 1974;25(2):166–171.
Hura crepitans L. Family: Euphorbiaceae Common Names: Sandbox Tree, Javillo, Molinillo, Monkey’s Dinner Bell, Monkey Pistol, Possum Wood, Sablier, Salvadera Description: This tree grows to a height of 60 feet or more with a trunk diameter of more than 3 feet at the base. The trunk and exposed roots are covered with short woody thorns. The leaves are oval, slightly serrate, and approximately 7 to 8 inches long. The green, inverted, cone-shaped male flowers are 1.5 to 2 inches long; female flowers are bright red. The woody fruits resemble a small pumpkin and are about 3 inches wide and 1.5 inches thick. The fruit pod explodes with considerable force on drying and makes a popping noise that is the basis for several of its common names. The seeds are round and flat.
Hura crepitans, flowers and leaves (above) Hura crepitans, necklace of seed capsule parts and Canavalia rusiosperma seeds (below)