X-Nico

3 unusual facts about Metopium brownei


Geography of Cuba

At one time, the whole island was covered with forests and there are still many cedar (Cedrela odorata), chechem (Metopium brownei)

Metopium brownei

Like its cousin Florida Poisonwood (Metopium toxiferum), it produces urushiol in its bark, which can cause contact dermititis on one's skin when touched; therefore live trees and fresh cut logs should be handled carefully.

Navassa Island

The island is covered in a forest of just four tree species: short-leaf fig (Ficus populnea var. brevifolia), pigeon plum (Coccoloba diversifolia), mastic (Sideroxylon foetidissimum), and poisonwood (Metopium brownei).



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