Trees Around The World Tour- AFRICAN SUMAC

Rhus lancea         |        Anacardiaceae       |       African sumac

Noteworthy Characteristics:

This plants is easy to identify by the leaf, trifoliate-compound (three- part) and glossy dark green. It is in the same family as poison ivy and cashew. The species is dioecious – meaning both male and female trees must be nearby to produce fruit/seed. Although this plant was originally introduced to the US as a landscape ornamental, given its potential to adapt to the many environmental challenges in the Sonoran desert, it is now considered an invasive weed. Planting is discouraged.