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Metopium toxiferum, commonly known as Poisonwood, is a medium-sized evergreen tree typically growing 20-50 feet (6-15 m) tall.
Growth Form
Upright trunk
Rounded to irregular crown
Often forms part of the upper canopy
Moderate growth rate
Bark
Gray to reddish-brown
Often mottled
Peels in thin patches
May exude a dark sap when damaged
The bark is reddish peeling patches are a key identifying feature.
Leaves
Compound (oddly pinnate)
5-7 glossy leaflets
Oval to elliptic
Thick and leathery
Bright to dark green
Leaves are sturdy and adapted to dry limestone soils.
Flowers
Small and greenish- white
Produced in clusters
Inconspicuous
Bloom seasonally
Fruit
Small, round drupe
Ripens from green to orange-red
About 1 inch wide
Habitat
Metopium toxiferum grows in Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formations: Forests/Shrublands/Woodlands/Dwarf Shrublands (coppice): primarily in shrublands as well as in Pine Woodlands. In Pine Woodlands Metopium toxiferum can be the dominant understory shrub.
Distribution
Metopium toxiferum occurs on all islands in the Lucayan archipelago as well as Florida and the Greater Antilles.
Ecological Importance
Fruits provide food for birds
Contributes to forest canopy structure
Stabilizes shallow limestone soils
Supports native biodiversity
Though irritating to humans, it plays a vital ecological role.
Cultural Notes
Well known locally by children are often warned early about it
Traditionally recognized and avoided in bush
Wood historically used carefully for certain purposes
Poisonwood demands respect.
It is part of the natural forest and not a plant to remove casually.