What is an ordeal tree? Here are some definitions.
Noun
A poisonoustree of Madagascar (Cerbera manghas (syn. Tanghinia venenifera). Those suspected of crime were forced to eat the seeds of the plumlike fruit, and criminals were put to death by being pricked with a lance dipped in the juice of the seeds.
A similar tree (Erythrophleum spp.) put to similar use in Liberia; sassywood.