The Little Apple of Death': See the Super-Poisonous Tree Glenn Beck Encountered on Vacation

This past weekend, Glenn Beck encountered a rather innocent-looking apple tree while on an anniversary trip that is officially one of the "world's 10 deadliest plants."

Image: GlennBeck.com

The manchineel tree (Hippomane mancinella), also known as the "little apple of death," is native to many Caribbean islands and is also found in parts of Florida. On his radio show Monday, Beck shared a story about his casual encounter with the highly poisonous plant during a trip to a tropical island to celebrate his anniversary.

Here's the warning sign that first caught media mogul's attention when he stopped to photograph a large hive hanging from the tree:

Image: GlennBeck.com

After seeing the stern warning sign about these "death apples," Beck researched the tree and discovered that even the slightest contact with it could cause:

• Blistering skin
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Death

Standing under the manchineel tree during a rain storm is also not advised. Droplets of rainwater from the leaves could produce burning and blistering skin. Burning branches and leaves from the manchineel tree makes a smoke that is capable of causing blindness and breathing the fumes can make throats swell up and close..

The website io9 grades the manchineel as the 3rd deadliest plant in the world and they advise avoiding it at all costs:

Basically, don't mess with the manchineel; there's a reason it's called "the little apple of death." You won't like it, and it definitely doesn't like you.

Just a normal vacation for Glenn Beck.

(H/T: GlennBeck.com)