Hura crepitans aka Sandboxtree

Hura crepitans, or sandbox tree, belongs to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. It is native to tropical America. Its range includes Peru, Bolivia and Brazil, extending north to Nicaragua and the Caribbean. It grows in moist coastal forests and rainforests. Some sites flood with the seasons. Other names include monkey's dinner bell and poison tree.

This fast-growing tree sheds part of its foliage. In open sites, it reaches about 39–66 feet [12–20 metres]. Trees in dense forest can reach 164 feet [50 metres]. The thick, straight trunk may swell at its base. Some trees form small buttresses instead. Spines cover the trunk and large branches. Trunks often measure 3–5 feet [0.9–1.5 metres] across. Reports of trunks 6.6 feet [2 metres] across mark the upper extreme. The tree bears male and female flowers. Its rounded, woody fruit has several joined sections. Ripe capsules burst with a loud crack. They fling seeds as far as 46 feet [14 metres].

Sandbox tree grows in humid tropical and subtropical lowlands. It prefers full sun and fertile soil that drains well. Once established, it can withstand strong drought. Wind can damage the tree. Seedlings can reach 13 feet [4 metres] within two years. Growers raise it from fresh seed or large cuttings. Seeds sown in separate pots in partial shade usually germinate well. Sprouts emerge within 30–40 days. Young trees can be ready for planting four or five months later.

People plant this tree for shade in plantations. It also grows in parks and beside roads. Growers cultivate it as an ornamental across tropical America, Africa and Asia. People harvest its wood, which sometimes enters trade. The woody shells of young fruits once served as desk containers. They held fine sand used to dry wet ink. Sand-filled shells also served as paperweights. These uses explain the name sandbox tree.

No edible uses are recorded in the supplied evidence. All parts contain highly toxic latex. This sap irritates and burns tissue; eye contact can cause blindness. People have used it to make arrow and fish poisons. Traditional medicine uses the leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, oil and latex. Reported treatments include leaf washes for leprosy. Bark and seed oil can cause vomiting and severe purging. These records describe traditional uses, not evidence of safe treatment.