A Tree with a Bang
Hura crepitans, also known as the sandbox tree or dynamite tree, is native to tropical regions of the Americas. It’s renowned for its unusual method of seed dispersal: the fruit literally explodes, scattering seeds at speeds of up to 150 miles per hour.
Explosive Fruits
The tree’s gourd-shaped fruits dry out and build pressure as they mature. When the pressure becomes too great, the fruit bursts open with a loud bang, shooting seeds up to 100 feet away. This ensures the seeds spread far from the parent tree.
Dangerous Spines and Toxic Sap
In addition to its explosive fruits, Hura crepitans is covered in sharp spines along its trunk and branches. Its milky sap is highly toxic, capable of causing severe irritation to skin and eyes.
Tall and Towering
Reaching heights of over 100 feet, the sandbox tree is a towering presence in rainforests. Despite its dangerous reputation, it plays an important role in its ecosystem by providing food and shelter to wildlife.
Hura crepitans, also known as the sandbox tree or dynamite tree, is native to tropical regions of the Americas. It’s renowned for its unusual method of seed dispersal: the fruit literally explodes, scattering seeds at speeds of up to 150 miles per hour.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/npPKtem0Nc
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) January 21, 2025