Its milky white sap contains phorbol and other skin irritants, producing strong allergic contact dermatitis. This is because figs contain laxative, particularly its sap. One or just a few high-volume resin flows down low on the trunk often indicate a root disease or wood rot fungus. [10] Standing beneath the tree during rain will cause blistering of the skin from mere contact with this liquid: even a small drop of rain with the milky substance in it will cause the skin to blister. The tree produces a thick, milky sap, which oozes out of everything - the bark, the leaves and even the fruit - and can cause severe, burn-like blisters if it comes into contact with the skin. Last summer, we ran into a predicament where sap was dripping off the leaves of a nearby tree. The timing and total volume of sap are also comparable to sugar maples. Black walnut (Juglans nigra) The black walnut tree is a valuable timber species, whose sap flows in autumn, winter, and spring. In the process, I got the white milky stuff that it "bleeds" all over my hands. We inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. This fluid can be very irritating and should be washed away as soon as possible. Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display The other answers correctly mention that the white fluid is latex, but then incorrectly state that latex is sap. Some common plants that release milky sap are calotropis, milkweed, papaya, plants of euphorbia genus, and balloon flower. Fig and ficus tree also leak sap, which can cause skin irritation in sensitive people, if touched. The sap can cause burning to the skin and if it comes into contact with your eyes then you may experience a burning sensation, swelling and temporary loss of vision for up to two weeks. Sap is the plant equivalent of blood. The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and education organization. Yellow and White Berries ... 'White' and 'Yellow'. Sap dripping off leaves of tree. Euphorbias have a particularly milky sap, which is extremely irritating to the skin and eyes. This symptom is often referred to as "resinosus". It’s not. I have heard this "sap" is poisonous, and am scared to make dinner or handle my parrot till I get it off my hands. Learn more about milky sap plants. Butternut, white walnut (Juglans cinerea) The butternut produces a sap that yields roughly 2% sugar – similar to sugar maples. University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service Horticulture - Tree Identification - Choose sap type, milky or clear. Numerous small flows higher up on the trunk may be symptoms of bark beetle attack. Sap dripping from Douglas-fir trees is a common symptom with a variety of possible explanations. I tried washing them with soap and water like 10 times, and I can not get it off. The glossy-leaved trees, which may reach over 65 feet in height, have spiked flowers with a pungent smell, while a white, milky sap will flow from any damaged surface of the plant, whether scratched, poked or snapped. It feels like elmers glue when it first starts to dry and gets tacky. A million members, donors, and partners support our programs to make our world greener and healthier. ... Also, if the figs are taken from the tree prematurely, the white milky fluid that discharges from the stem can transfer to a person's hands, eyes or mouth. According to David Nellis, author of “Poisonous Plants and Animals of Florida and the Caribbean,” people may experience “symptoms such as a rash and headache to acute dermatitis, severe breathing problems and temporary, painful blindness,” from contact with its sap.. Travelers are also warned not to take shelter from this tree … The tree’s milky, white sap is highly caustic. Unfortunately, this covered my car in a sticky substance, which led to the accumulation of dirt, as well as the arrival of flies, bees, wasps and other annoying insects.