Sandbox Tree

Hura crepitans

“Seed pods explode at 160 mph. Trunk covered in spines. Toxic sap. Absolute menace.”

The fruit capsules build internal pressure as they dry, then detonate — flinging seeds up to 150 feet at 160 mph. The trunk is armored with sharp conical spines. The milky sap is toxic and causes severe skin irritation. Indigenous peoples used the sap as a fish poison. Historically known as the 'monkey no-climb tree.' Zone 10–11 only. The most aggressively self-defensive tree you can legally plant.