Description:
– Sandbox tree can grow up to 60 meters (200 ft) tall
– Large ovate leaves reaching 60 cm (2 ft) in width
– Monoecious with red, un-petaled flowers
– Trunk covered in long, sharp spikes secreting poisonous sap
– Fruit is large, pumpkin-shaped capsules that explode when ripe, launching seeds at 70 m/s (250 km/h; 160 mph)
Habitat:
– Prefers wet soil and partial shade to full sun
– Often cultivated for shade
– Tropical tree preferring warm, humid environments
Uses:
– Wood used for indigenous canoes and furniture (known as hura)
– Fishermen use sap to poison fish
– Caribs made arrow poison from sap
– Seeds contain toxic oil for biodiesel and soap production
– Starchy leftovers used for animal feed after cooking
External Links:
– Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hura crepitans
– NatureServe: 2.150081