El Yunque National Forest

Poisonous Plants, Shrubs and Trees Found on the El Yunque National Forest

Drawing © J. Corwin-Classic Nature Prints.

Palo Bronco, Olaga (Sp.), Malpighia fucata, (Bot.), native; eastern Puerto Rico.

Description:

This evergreen shrub (or small tree) can grow to 20 feet (6 meters) in height, with a trunk diameter of 3 inches (7.6 centimeters). It is identified by it’s opposite, blunt-pointed leaves up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) long and 4 inches (10 centimeters) wide. Upper leaf surfaces are green and lower surfaces are a paler green with many yellowish, needle-like hairs. Flowers with white/pink petals and thin-fleshed fruit with large stone; flowers and fruits intermittently throughout the year. 

Poisonous characteristics:

Contact with needle-like, stinging hairs on the lower surface of leaves of this plant can cause SEVERE SKIN IRRITATION AND MILD SKIN RASH (DERMATITIS). DO NOT EAT THE LEAVES OF THIS PLANT.

When observing this plant:

If possible, avoid contact with the lower surface of it’s leaves. Do not eat it’s leaves or bring them in contact with your eyes. If you inadvertently touch the leaves of this plant wash your hands thoroughly before touching your mouth, eyes or the area surrounding them.

Where is this plant found in the El Yunque NF?

Uncommon in Puerto Rico’s northeastern Luquillo forest (El Yunque National Forest) to approximately 1800 foot elevation.

Additional information:

• Tropical Vegetation Specialist
  USDA Forest Service
  El Yunque National Forest
  HC-01, Box 13490
  Rio Grande, PR 00745-9625
  787 888 1810
• Wadsworth, F.H. & Little, E.L., 1974, Common Trees of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, Volume 2, U. S Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Handbook NO. 449. Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC.

(Data compiled by Alan Mowbray, El Yunque NF; please send any suggestions/comments to: amowbray@fs.fed.us)

Back to Poisonous Plants Index Page

USDA Forest Service - El Yunque National Forest
Last Modified: Tuesday, 16 December 2008 at 14:14:01 EST