Hura crepitans

The sandbox tree (Hura crepitans) is a species in the genus Hura in the family Euphorbiaceae.

The sand box tree is an evergreen tree, the height of up to 30 m and trunk diameter can reach up to 2 meters. It has oval leaves that are 12-20 cm long and up to 60 cm can be wide. He has a smooth brown bark which cm long with 1-2 conical spines is covered. The tree is monoecious and has red flowers, which form but no petals. The large capsule dry fruits during the ripening process from, so stressed. When it has matured, the woody fruits explode with a bang, so that the seeds are toxic to humans far catapulted up to 40 m. The fruit is 3 to 5 cm long and has a diameter of 5-18 cm. The caustic milky sap of the sand box tree is very poisonous. It prefers wet fertile soil and partial shade to sunny locations.

Use
The tree has a white milky sap, which was used by fishermen as a fish poison. He also has been used as arrow poison from the Caribs. From the non-high-quality wood furniture can be manufactured, sold under the name of Hura. The leaves and root bark are used as a remedy.


Source: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandb%C3%BCchsenbaum
See Also: sending flowers, online florist