This formidable tropical tree is the Sandbox Tree, Hura crepitans.

It is easy to recognize by its tall trunk, which is covered with short, sharp, dark spines. These help protect the tree and give it one of its other common names: Monkey-no-Climb.

The tree produces small flowers, but its most remarkable feature is its fruit. The round, flattened capsule is divided into several sections and resembles a small pumpkin. As it dries, pressure builds inside until the fruit suddenly explodes, scattering its seeds away from the parent tree. The sound can be surprisingly loud, which is reflected in the scientific name crepitans, meaning “rattling” or “crackling.”

The name “Sandbox Tree” comes from an earlier use of the dried fruit capsules. They were sometimes fitted with a lid and used to hold fine sand, which people sprinkled over freshly written ink to help it dry.

The tree also produces a milky latex that is highly irritating and poisonous. It should not be touched, and no part of the tree should be eaten.

Sandbox Tree is native to tropical America and can grow into a very large shade tree. Its spiny trunk, explosive fruit, and toxic sap make it one of the most fascinating—and most deserving of respect—trees in the Garden.