Sandbox Tree

[Hura crepitans]

Toxicity

Symptoms

Symptoms: Abdominal pain, blindness, bronchitis, burning of throat, convulsions, cough, cramps, diarrhea, delirium, dysphagia, excessive salivation, laryngitis, rapid heartbeat, multisystem organ failure, perioral numbness, rhinitis, stomachache, vision problems, vomiting.

Duration of Symptoms: Not known

Rate of Poison: Not known

Causes Death: Possible

Treatment: Irrigation, symptomatic and supportive care.

One of the deadliest plants in existence, this tree not only has poisonous spikes running up the tree, but also has explosive fruit, giving it the alternative name Dynamite Tree.

Photo: David J. Stang - Wikimedia Commons

License: Creative Commons-ShareAlike 4.0

These fruits, when ripened, can explode, launching its seeds at 160 mph (250 km/h). Basically, these seeds can fly as fast as a bullet, and are also poisonous on top of that.

Photo: Patrice78500 - Wikimedia Commons

License: Creative Commons-ShareAlike 4.0

Main Toxin

Molecular structure of hurin (PubChem)

Hurin

A toxalbumin and lectin that is an ester of daphnane, a diterpene compound. It is closely related to the toxin abrin. It has a mitogenic property.

Level of Toxin: 10 mg of lectin/25-50 g of seeds

Impacting Dosage: Unknown

Other Toxins and Chemical Components

Cyanide

Cyanide is a basic nucleophile that can bind to cytochrome oxidase in the mitochondria. This antagonistic binding causes cellular respiration to stop. Cyanide also ceases oxidative phosphorylation by halting the transportation of electrons. This causes the synthesis pathway of adenosine triphosphate to end, which causes the respiration of mitochondria and aerobic metabolism to be impaired, resulting in increased glycolysis of anaerobic pathways.

To simplify this statement, cyanide will disrupt the cell's ability to produce energy, which will cause serious harm to the body resulting in death.

Level of Toxin: 1,888.5 - 1,891.5 mg/100g

Impacting Dosage: 0.5 - 3.5 mg/kg

Huratoxin

A lectin located in the sap that inhibits protein synthesis. This is due to its hemagglutinating properties.

Level of Toxin: Unknown

Impacting Dosage: Unknown

Crepitan

Daphnane

Glucosamine Lectin

Huratoxine

Phytate

Crepitina

Daphne Factor F3

Hexahydrohuratoxin

Hurina

Creptina

Daphnetoxin Acid

Hurain

Keto-enal

Curcin

Diterpene Ester

Huratoxin Apocynin

Methylpentadecanoate

General Information

Parts of Plant: Bark, leaves, sap, seeds

Contact Hazard: Dermatitis and keratoconjunctivitis.

Animals Affected: All animals

Notes: Fruit is explosive when ripe, projectiles flying as fast as 160 mph and as far as 300 feet. Many have referred to the ripe fruit as a "ticking time bomb." Covered in spikes as well, so not recommended to touch. Sap has been used to make poisonous arrows.

Medicinal Value

General Information

Parts of Plant: Leaves, roots, sap, stem bark

Properties: Ameliorative, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, emetic, hepatoprotective, purgative

Components: Daphne Factor F3, glucosamine

Antidote: Unknown

Preparation: Extracts

Historical Uses

Current Uses

Treatments

Decayed Teeth: Latex
Diarrhea: Sap
Leprosy
Rheumatism: Sap
Worms: Sap

Location

Peru

Claimed Treatments

Alopecia: Daphne Factor F3
Eczema: Leaves
Intestinal Worms: Extracts
Liver
Oxidative Stress: Secondary metabolites.
Skin Diseases
Rheumatism: Extracts
Tumors

Location

Not known

Edibility

Parts of Plant: None known

Nutrients:

Carbohydrates: Fiber

Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc

Proteins: Amino acids

Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K

Taste: Not known

WARNING: !DO NOT CONSUME!

Historical Uses

Current Uses

Preparation Methods

None known

Preparation Methods

None known

General Facts

Plant Facts

Illustration of Sandbox Tree from "Common trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands" (1964)

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Genus: Hura

Other Names: Dynamite Tree, Javillo, Molinillo, Monkey No-Climb, Monkey's Dinner Bell, Monkey's Pistol, Possum Wood, Sablier, Salvadera.

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Bloom Colours: Brown, Red, Purple

Bloom Time: Year-round

Type: Perennial

Height: 50 - 200 feet

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Habitat: Forest edges and gaps, shaded areas, tropical rain forests, woodlands.

Origin: Australia, Brazil, Caribbean, China, Mesoamerica, South America

States: FL

Provinces: None known

Related Species

Hura polyandra
(Pochocuape)

Photo: Daichi-A - Wikimedia Commons

License: Public Domain

Family Connection

Castor Oil

Sources

Toxicity Section

Carroll, J. (2022). What Is A Sandbox Tree: Information About Sandbox Tree Exploding Seeds. Gardening Know How. From https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sandbox-tree/sandbox-tree-information.htm
Fowomola, M. A., & Akindahunsi, A. A. (2007). Nutritional quality of sandbox tree (Hura crepitans Linn.). Journal of Medicinal Food, 10(1), 159-164. From https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/jmf.2005.062?casa_token=ZQEn7yq_784AAAAA%3AN8NwwE6lQbe5-rh4cNQxLuDSc59Y2UKta8Gzdo9_E-4ChSZCvPdetU7UQyDMwqN_OEilGdFtXw7R
Gracia, R., & Shepherd, G. (2004). Cyanide poisoning and its treatment. Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy, 24(10), 1358-1365. From https://accpjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1592/phco.24.14.1358.43149?casa_token=Ld1sP_YWd4UAAAAA:TLui7uJkn0F-WdKbYHLQfh_zkL_XnBN9AaSh0BPWfzbixJLpWTMVU4RjQoZLgwJqrT7LdlAk9U7FzXA
Keeler, R. F. (1979). Toxic Plants (A. Douglas Keeler, Ed.). Columbia University Press. (pp. 89-100).
Largo, M. (2014). The Big, Bad Book of Botany: The World's Most Fascinating Flora. HarperCollins Publishers. (pp.315-316)
Nelson, L. S., Shih, R. D., Balick, M. J. (2007). Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants (2nd ed.). Springer. (pp. 179-180)
Owojuyigbe, O. S., Firempong, C. K., Larbie, C., Komlaga, G., & Emikpe, B. O. (2020). Hepatoprotective potential of Hura crepitans L.: A review of ethnomedical, phytochemical and pharmacological studies. Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research, 9(2), 1-10. From https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/79604397/56546-libre.pdf?1643259433=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DHepatoprotective_Potential_of_Hura_crepi.pdf&Expires=1670616099&Signature=ZsDoJIkpMKUd8wBcHZBjRxR85Jy~5Mp3pk85ix8WI9j1WD5uIj-tsMGb0TPXAwspAsPyhe4QOsFRUYg90MFsTDhdfAU2WMXZPaQeAPcQfA0TspVlff7q7f13j4jlQxMFxcKnXPSoh0wS4Rt5QKnGBuuqNxX6lOzZtYAqhdYOYkPDpVrrUBNDHZXrsEt5Qgq8SszUOxOAwh1OkMIrKR2KmG0LORhK93k5yRyVBREIfVQtKbr7CNwEMLYJyEzfCvjNBzbFUQhYgVTSnKVgutbmvCt~Y4z22-SEkNkKxR-HUlqXZsIjkVSzFrhVauMPyV7Z~8yXZU3J9eHGrlUFlKQcsg__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA
Rasgaitis, C. (2021). The Sandbox Tree. Medium. From https://crasgaitis.medium.com/the-sandbox-tree-abd5205c10dc
Sriapha, C., Tongpoo, A., Wongvisavakorn, S., Rittilert, P., Trakulsrichai, S., Srisuma, S., & Wananukul, W. (2015). Plant poisoning in Thailand: A 10-year analysis from ramathibodi poison center. Southeast Asian journal of tropical medicine and public health, 46(6), 1063. From https://www.thaiscience.info/Journals/Article/TMPH/10982565.pdf
Stewart, A. (2009). Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill. (pp. 189)
Vassallo, A., Armentano, M. F., Miglionico, R., Caddeo, C., Chirollo, C., Gualtieri, M. J., ... & Milella, L. (2020). Hura crepitans L. extract: Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant activity, and nanoformulation. Pharmaceutics, 12(6), 553. From https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/12/6/553
Wikipedia. (2023). Hura crepitans. From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hura_crepitans

Medicinal Value Section

Carroll, J. (2022). What Is A Sandbox Tree: Information About Sandbox Tree Exploding Seeds. Gardening Know How. From https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sandbox-tree/sandbox-tree-information.htm
Largo, M. (2014). The Big, Bad Book of Botany: The World's Most Fascinating Flora. HarperCollins Publishers. (pp.315-316)
Owojuyigbe, O. S., Firempong, C. K., Larbie, C., Komlaga, G., & Emikpe, B. O. (2020). Hepatoprotective potential of Hura crepitans L.: A review of ethnomedical, phytochemical and pharmacological studies. Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research, 9(2), 1-10. From https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/79604397/56546-libre.pdf?1643259433=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DHepatoprotective_Potential_of_Hura_crepi.pdf&Expires=1670616099&Signature=ZsDoJIkpMKUd8wBcHZBjRxR85Jy~5Mp3pk85ix8WI9j1WD5uIj-tsMGb0TPXAwspAsPyhe4QOsFRUYg90MFsTDhdfAU2WMXZPaQeAPcQfA0TspVlff7q7f13j4jlQxMFxcKnXPSoh0wS4Rt5QKnGBuuqNxX6lOzZtYAqhdYOYkPDpVrrUBNDHZXrsEt5Qgq8SszUOxOAwh1OkMIrKR2KmG0LORhK93k5yRyVBREIfVQtKbr7CNwEMLYJyEzfCvjNBzbFUQhYgVTSnKVgutbmvCt~Y4z22-SEkNkKxR-HUlqXZsIjkVSzFrhVauMPyV7Z~8yXZU3J9eHGrlUFlKQcsg__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA
PoultryDVM. (n.d.). Sandbox Tree. From http://www.chickendvm.com/poisonous/hura-crepitans
Rasgaitis, C. (2021). The Sandbox Tree. Medium. From https://crasgaitis.medium.com/the-sandbox-tree-abd5205c10dc
Vassallo, A., Armentano, M. F., Miglionico, R., Caddeo, C., Chirollo, C., Gualtieri, M. J., ... & Milella, L. (2020). Hura crepitans L. extract: Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant activity, and nanoformulation. Pharmaceutics, 12(6), 553. From https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/12/6/553

Edibility Section [Insufficient Data]

Fowomola, M. A., & Akindahunsi, A. A. (2007). Nutritional quality of sandbox tree (Hura crepitans Linn.). Journal of Medicinal Food, 10(1), 159-164. From https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/jmf.2005.062?casa_token=ZQEn7yq_784AAAAA%3AN8NwwE6lQbe5-rh4cNQxLuDSc59Y2UKta8Gzdo9_E-4ChSZCvPdetU7UQyDMwqN_OEilGdFtXw7R

General Facts Section

Carroll, J. (2022). What Is A Sandbox Tree: Information About Sandbox Tree Exploding Seeds. Gardening Know How. From https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sandbox-tree/sandbox-tree-information.htm
Largo, M. (2014). The Big, Bad Book of Botany: The World's Most Fascinating Flora. HarperCollins Publishers. (pp.315-316)
Owojuyigbe, O. S., Firempong, C. K., Larbie, C., Komlaga, G., & Emikpe, B. O. (2020). Hepatoprotective potential of Hura crepitans L.: A review of ethnomedical, phytochemical and pharmacological studies. Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research, 9(2), 1-10. From https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/79604397/56546-libre.pdf?1643259433=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DHepatoprotective_Potential_of_Hura_crepi.pdf&Expires=1670616099&Signature=ZsDoJIkpMKUd8wBcHZBjRxR85Jy~5Mp3pk85ix8WI9j1WD5uIj-tsMGb0TPXAwspAsPyhe4QOsFRUYg90MFsTDhdfAU2WMXZPaQeAPcQfA0TspVlff7q7f13j4jlQxMFxcKnXPSoh0wS4Rt5QKnGBuuqNxX6lOzZtYAqhdYOYkPDpVrrUBNDHZXrsEt5Qgq8SszUOxOAwh1OkMIrKR2KmG0LORhK93k5yRyVBREIfVQtKbr7CNwEMLYJyEzfCvjNBzbFUQhYgVTSnKVgutbmvCt~Y4z22-SEkNkKxR-HUlqXZsIjkVSzFrhVauMPyV7Z~8yXZU3J9eHGrlUFlKQcsg__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA
Plants Database. (n.d.). Possum Wood. From https://garden.org/plants/view/115633/Possum-Wood-Hura-crepitans/
PoultryDVM. (n.d.). Sandbox Tree. From http://www.chickendvm.com/poisonous/hura-crepitans

Date of page creation: December 9, 2022

Updated page: March 21, 2023

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