Ten of the Scariest Plants In the World According to Botanists

We all know about poison ivy and oak, but what are the real big baddies of the plant world? That's what one plant-lover, or at least plant enthusiast, wants to know. They ask about the "scariest plants" in an online forum, and there are almost too many fascinating and terrifying answers for comfort.  1. Gympie Gympie Several people agree that the gympie-gympie plant is one of the scariest things, plant or not, to exist. The plant is covered in hairs that cause an excruciating sting and can last for years as the hairs are tough to remove. As one user points out, the recommended treatment "is applying hydrochloric acid," which speaks to how horrifying the plant is.  2. Manchineel Tree There's a reason that we're taught as children not to take and eat any fruit from any plant or tree. Some fruit, like that of the manchineel tree, looks similar to other fruits we know and even tastes good if you take a bite. But after some time, the taste turns into a burning, and the eater's throat begins to swell, making it difficult to swallow. But that's just the fruit, and in the case of the manchineel tree, every... Read more