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 exclu-

sively.

 

Its numerous genera include several of economic importance. Not-

able 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. Medici-

nally the edible nuts from this family have a reputation for being

good for the brain.

 

 

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