manchineel
/ˌman(t)ʃɪˈniːl
/noun
A Caribbean tree which has acrid apple-like fruit and poisonous milky sap which can cause temporary blindness.
- Hippomane mancinella, family Euphorbiaceae.
- Most manchineels have red warning bands painted round the trunks and danger signs attached.
- A picnic lunch was arranged on the beach under a manchineel tree and guest swam in the clear blue waters while John planted coconut trees along the shore.
Origin
Mid 17th century: from French mancenille, from Spanish manzanilla, diminutive of manzana 'apple', based on Latin matiana (poma) (neuter plural), denoting a kind of apple.