a tree that can make you blind

hi guys, just wondering whether you could help me? do you have any idea if the deadly manchineel tree grows in palau / micronesia, too? It is the tree that may make you blind if you are under it while raining (it also causes skin blisters). When i was kayaking back there amongst the rock islands, i was told i had to stay off a tree (or shrub) whose name i forgot. I do not even remember what it looks like.

thanks a lot,

jirikoo

The tree you are referring to is probably Excoecaria agallocha. It is the sap that causes temporary blindness and skin irritation. I doubt being under it when it is raining is going to do much, but it is so nasty I guess people are extra-careful. It probably will be in Micronesia since its distributions extends into Asia. It is smart to always avoid plants with white sap, but it is the sap that is dangerous and not the rest of it.