top of page

Metopium brownei (Chechem, Black Poisonwood, Caribbean Rosewood)

Found throughout Central America and the Caribbean, the sap from Metopium brownei contains urushiol, the same chemical irritant produced by Poison Ivy.  Mature specimens often develop dark weeping blisters from which the sap leaches.

Metopium%20brownei%20(Chechen%2C%20Black
Metopium%20brownei%20(Chechen%2C%20Black
Metopium brownei (Chechen, Black Poisonw

Bursera simaruba (Chaca, Tourist Tree, Copperwood, Gumbo-Limbo)

With an almost identical distribution (though extending slightly further south), Bursera simaruba, sometimes referred to as the Tourist Tree because it's reddish peeling bark is reminiscent of a badly sunburned tourist, is often found growing nearby or intertwined with Metopium brownei.  

Bursera%20simaruba%20(Chaca%2C%20Gumbo%2
Bursera simaruba (Chaca, Gumbo Limbo, Tu
Bursera simaruba (Chaca, Gumbo Limbo, Tu
Chechen-Chaca_edited.jpg
Chechen-Chaca%202_edited.jpg
bottom of page