Documentary backdrop image for Farmacopea (2013)

Documentary backdrop image for Farmacopea (2013)

20136 minGdoc-short

Farmacopea

20136 minGdoc-short

Most Manchineel trees, known for their extreme toxicity, have been eradicated from Puerto Rico despite their historical importance in local plant catalogs.

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Director

Beatriz Santiago Muñoz

Synopsis

Most Manchineel trees, known for their extreme toxicity, have been eradicated from Puerto Rico despite their historical importance in local plant catalogs.

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Beatriz Santiago Muñozdirector

Synopsis

Puerto Rico's natural environment features the Hippomane mancinella, known as the little apple of death. This tree is one of the most toxic plants globally, causing severe illness from mere exposure. Its smoke can lead to permanent blindness if burned. Once a vital part of the island's native farmacopea, most Manchineel trees have been eradicated. The Caribbean has undergone significant changes due to agriculture, development, and the portrayal of its tropical image for tourism and folklore.

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