Most trails in Mexico are not developed. Made by ordinary people trying to switch from one place to another, they can have centuries. Very few of these trails are indicated and nothing warns you that the shaded tree under which you take a break is toxic and not be touched. Below, you will find descriptions of a few plants and trees (some toxic) that you must recognize before approaching too much.
The tree of swollen bullets
Perhaps the worst plant to meet in nature is the Manchaneel tree. Hippomanian Mancinella is popularly known in Mexico under the name of Hincha-Huevos: The Boule-Balls Tree.
We hike on a Hill in Paso Real, located 50 kilometers from the Pacific Coast in Jalisco. My thoughts were on the follow -up of our guide, Don Ginio, who took us to the entrance to a 50 -meter depth pit that no one had been before. Although Don Ginio wore flip flops and swung a machete to open the way, all the members of our rider group had trouble following him.
The hill has become increasingly stiff and I helped myself by entering each tree that I met. One of them, unfortunately, was a Hincha-Huevos, whose deadly fruit looks like small green apples.
It’s hard to believe, but even the bark of the Hincha -Huevos is toxic – so toxic, say the inhabitants, that the simple fact of standing in the wind of the tree can infect you. Worse, the fate of those who stand under the tree to get out of the rain.
“The bark contains the Phorbol toxin,” explains the poison researcher, Dr. Raul Ibarra. “It’s much more irritating than poison ivy.”
It was something I discovered when I got home. Taking a shower, I managed to spread the toxic substance all over my body. It was a perfect storm of blisters and pus.
A burst of telephone calls asking for help gave me an answer: “Jugo de Limón!” Apparently, I had to put the juice of the omnipresent Mexican lime on my whole body. It worked. But getting rid of it was not exactly a quick process.
A diabolical woman on the track
Mala Mujer, or Evil Woman, presents much less problem but it is much more common than the swollen tree.
“People give the name of Mala Mujer to several different plants,” explains Raúl Ibarra. All have hairs or needles on their leaves and if they brush against your skin, you will suffer from a very irritating rash, but it only lasts a few minutes. “”
If you see a plant whose leaves display small needles resembling hair, it is probably a variety of Mala Mujer.
Enriched by the cat’s claw
It is important to recognize the CAT claw from a distance, before making your way. The sheets of the cat’s claw are available in six sets which are very easy to spot. If you wear short shorts or sleeves, you will have to proceed slowly and carefully to prevent your arms or legs from being shredded.
The painful spine of Agave
Some routes may force you to cut an agave field. Note that if you are stuck by an agave spine, you will get something more than a stroke of needle: as soon as the sharp tip of the leaf enters your skin, it releases the calcium oxalate which forms beams of needle type crystals called fast. These cause sudden pain and lasting pain.
Over time, swelling and pain can get worse instead, and in some cases the victim can be in the hospital.
So, if you have to walk in a field of agaves or Magueys, walk in the same way that you would move in the Cat label: very slowly, by paying particular attention to each step you take. And, sorry to say, neither long sleeves nor long pants will be a great help.
Mortal castor oil plant
Castor Bean is called Higuerilla or Ricino in Mexico, and you will find it growing everywhere, generally in empty terms or on the fringes of a forest. The touch is no problem, but you should know that its seeds are very toxic. Suffices and swallowed, six seeds would be sufficient to kill a beef. Ricin bean is the source of the Ricin organic war agent.
Plan a hike in Mexico
Should you wear short sleeves and pants when hiking in Mexico? If you hike on an established path – especially the one you have already been – shorts can not pose any risk.
However, it is not uncommon for hikers who have reached their destination via a path established to opt for a shortcutOr shortened, on the way back. Watch out for them!
Shortcuts are the main reason why I wear long sleeves and long pants on most hikes, whatever the weather. The Mexican shortcut is sure to transform everything you do by adventure. You can slide the rocky rocks hidden under a layer of dry leaves to the knees, according to a machete chief through a wall of undergrowth or make a wild dance to shake up the ants of Reds.
A similar situation may develop when a rancher offers to take you to a local attraction like a hidden spring or a picturesque point of view. Walking towards the place can easily put you in direct contact with pernicious plants, Güinas (Chiggers), hehe (flies), Zancudos (mosquitoes) or a hollow log filled with very aggressive Africanized bees. This is when long sleeves and pants can make all the difference.
John Pint Comes near Guadalajara, Jalisco, for over 30 years and has been the author of “Guide to West Mexico Guachimontones and Arronding Area” and co-author of “Outdoors in Western Mexico”. More of his writing can be found On his website.
