Contents
Description
Metopium Toxiferum is a tree species commonly found in the Caribbean and southern Florida. It is also known as Poisonwood due to its toxic properties. The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and its bark is gray-brown and smooth. When the bark is damaged, it produces a sap that is highly toxic and can cause skin irritation and blistering. The leaves are compound with five to nine leaflets and are dark green in color. The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers that are followed by small, fleshy, and red fruit.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Metopium |
Appearance
The tree has a slender trunk and a conical crown. Its leaves are compound with five to nine leaflets that are ovate and pointed. The leaflets are about 10-15 cm long and 5-8 cm wide. The tree produces small greenish-white flowers that are about 5 mm in diameter. Its fruit is small, fleshy, and red, and is about 10 mm in diameter. The tree’s bark is gray-brown and smooth, and when damaged, it produces a sap that is highly toxic and can cause skin irritation and blistering.
Care Guide
Metopium Toxiferum prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It can tolerate a range of soil types but does best in sandy or loamy soil. Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season. Fertilize the plant twice a year with a slow-release fertilizer. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 10-11 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 28°F. If grown in cooler regions, it should be protected from frost.
Common Pests & Diseases
The tree is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can cause leaf drop and stunted growth. The tree can also be affected by fungal diseases such as anthracnose and powdery mildew. To prevent these pests and diseases, ensure proper watering and fertilization, and prune any infected branches.
Habitat
Metopium Toxiferum is native to the Caribbean and southern Florida. It is commonly found in dry forests, coastal areas, and limestone terrains. The tree is also found in other parts of the world, including Central and South America, where it is known as Chechen.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Metopium Toxiferum a dangerous plant?
A: Yes, it is highly toxic and can cause skin irritation and blistering.
Q: What is the best soil type for Metopium Toxiferum?
A: It prefers well-draining soil, and sandy or loamy soil is ideal.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect Metopium Toxiferum?
A: Spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, anthracnose, and powdery mildew can affect the tree.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Metopium Toxiferum?
A: It is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Related Plants
- Metopium Brownei
- Metopium Brownie
- Metopium Glabrum
- Metopium Miamense
References
- University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. (n.d.). Poisonwood. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/ST/ST41400.pdf
- Morton, J. F. (1987). Poisonous plants of south Florida. Miami, FL: University of Miami Press.
- Bailey, L. H., & Bailey, E. Z. (1976). Hortus Third: A concise dictionary of plants cultivated in the United States and Canada. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc.
