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Poisonous Plants, Shrubs and Trees
There are many poisonous plants, trees and shrubs growing on the island of Puerto Rico that can represent a potential health hazard; the Manchineel (Manzanillo, Hippomane mancinella) found only on the island coastal plain, exudes a caustic milky juice that can cause severe burns, swelling and even temporary blindness. Many species have toxic fruits, seeds or leaves, while others have irritating sap or hairs which can cause moderate to severe dermatitis.
Fortunately, there are few of these poisonous plants, shrubs and trees growing in the recreational areas of the El Yunque National Forest, and these can be easily identified and avoided by reviewing the information shown below. Click on the photo to learn more about the species:
| Palo Bronco, Malpighia fucata |
Stinging Nettle, Ortiga, Urera chlorocarpa |
| Ortiga Brava, Urera braccifera |
Tabaiba, Hinchahuevos Sapium laurocerasus |
| Carrasco, Comocladia glabra | Cabbage angelin, Andira enermis |
|
Dumcane, Rábano Dieffenbachia seguine |
Frangipani, Plumeria rubra |
|
Guinea Grass, Yerba pegajosa Homolepis glutinosa |
Cow Itch, Mucuna pruriens |
|
Elephant Ear Xanthosoma sagittifolium |
Giant Philodendron Calabazón Philodendron giganteum |
Plantas venenosas
Hay muchas plantas, árboles y arbustos venenosas que crecen en la isla de Puerto Rico que pueden representar un peligro potencial para la salud; El Manzanillo (Hippomane mancinella) encontrado solo en la planicie costera de la isla, exuda un jugo lechoso cáustico que puede causar quemaduras graves, hinchazón e incluso ceguera temporal. Muchas especies tienen frutos tóxicos, semillas u hojas, mientras que otras tienen savia o pelos irritantes que pueden causar dermatitis de moderada a severa.
Afortunadamente, hay pocas de estas plantas venenosas, arbustos y árboles que crecen en las áreas recreativas del Bosque Nacional El Yunque, y estas se pueden identificar y evitar fácilmente.
| Palo Bronco, Malpighia fucata |
Stinging Nettle, Ortiga, Urera chlorocarpa |
| Ortiga Brava, Urera braccifera |
Tabaiba, Hinchahuevos Sapium laurocerasus |
| Carrasco, Comocladia glabra | Cabbage angelin, Andira enermis |
|
Dumcane, Rábano Dieffenbachia seguine |
Frangipani, Plumeria rubra |
|
Guinea Grass, Yerba pegajosa Homolepis glutinosa |
Cow Itch, Mucuna pruriens |
| Elephant Ear, Xanthosoma sagittifolium |
Giant Philodendron, Calabazón Philodendron giganteum |
