Sumac (Family Anacardiaceae)

Anacardiaceae (the Cashew Family or the Sumac Family) is a family of
flowering plants, mostly trees and shrubs, with about 70 genera and 600
species.

The Cashew Family is more abundant in warm or tropical regions with

only a few species living in the temperate zones. Mostly native to

tropical Americas, Africa and India. Pistacias and some species of

Rhus can be found in southern Europe, Rhus species can be found in

much of North America and Schinus inhabit South America exclusively.

Its numerous genera include several of economic importance. Notable
plants in this family include cashew and pistacia nuts, mango and marula
fruits, poison ivy, sumac, and smoke tree. Some members produce a
viscous or adhesive fluid which turns black and is used as a varnish or for
tanning and even as a mordant for red dyes. Medicinally the edible nuts
from this family have a reputation for being good for the brain.

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