Arboretum History Virtual Tour - AFRICAN SUMAC

Searsia lancea       |        Anacardiaceae       |       African sumac

Historical Context:

In an effort to identify landscape ornamentals adapted to the desert climate, UA President Homer Shantz planted the first African Sumac in Tucson in 1928. The tree proved to be highly tolerant of the environmental stresses in this urban setting and was introduced into the nursery trade. For many decades, African sumac were very popular landscape ornamental tree for Tucson, however, they have since been found to be invasive and weedy. For better or worse, we have the oldest and most majestic specimens in the state and still admire them as a symbol of our commitment to sustainable horticultural research. In the 1940s, RB Streets, a faculty in the College of Agriculture, planted the two African sumac trees found today on either side of the Arizona State Museum (then, the library).

Next Stop ⇒ Chinese Pistache

Previous Stop ⇒ Red Gum

Return to Arboretum History Tour Page

Additional Resources to Explore:

• Link to the Campus Arboretum Species Description page
• Link to the Campus Arboretum History Tour page (for booklet, self-guided campus tours, or docent led tour information)