African Sumac
Rhus Lancea Identification
Angiosperm or Gymnosperm: The African Sumac is an angiosperm. Natural Habitat: This common shade tree is quite invasive and can now be found growing wild in washes and along canyon streams in the deserts around Tucson. Leaf Pattern: The leaves are shiny, leathery, dark green above, pale green below, hairless, alternate, and trifoliate with 3 often curved, narrowly lance-shaped to almost linear leaflets. Type of Seeds: The tiny, green flowers are clustered in axillary and terminal panicles amidst the leaves. The flowers on the female plants are followed by drooping clusters of small, rounded, resinous, green maturing to yellow or reddish and then brown fruits. Germination Process: African sumac has a moderate to high invasive potential in urban areas. Basically, seedlings can germinate anywhere there is constant or seasonal sources of water. Some people find African sumac to be a source of allergies due to the pollen from male flowers during desert winters. Symbiotic Relationships: The African Sumac attracts bees and it is also poisonous to humans. Every part of the tree contains urushiol oil, which causes an allergic reaction to skin. The tree drops its leaves when it is water stressed, has a fungal disease like root rot or from being over fertilized. Type of Bark: The distinctive bark on mature trees is rough and dark gray with rusty orange fissures. Younger trees have red-brown bark. The twigs are reddish. The trees have a spread equal to their height and a dense, rounded crown. Ethnobotony:
According to the National Botanical Institute, South Africa, this tree provides shade and food for livestock. The wood was used to make fences, tools, bowls and bows, and tannin can be extracted from several parts of the plant. The common name, karee, is the original Khoi word for mead, referring to the fact that the edible fruits used to be made into this fermented drink. Current Research
There is no current research for the African Sumac. Summary of Information
The angiosperm, African Sumac tree, is used in a variety of ways. Some of these uses include the making of tools, such as bows, bowls, and fences. The tree is also useful to provide shade and to feed livestock. The invasive tree can be found in the Tucson Deserts. The shiny, leathery, skinny leaves that come it groups of threes, along with the dark grayish bark of the wide trunk, can be poisonous to people. The bees lingering this tree are attracted to the pollen, which gives people allergies. Since these trees are so invasive, their germination process is very easy, and can grow with any source of water. |
References
http://www.fireflyforest.com/flowers/3647/rhus-lancea-african-sumac/
http://www.public.asu.edu/~camartin/plants/Plant%20html%20files/rhuslancea.html
http://www.fireflyforest.com/flowers/3647/rhus-lancea-african-sumac/
http://www.public.asu.edu/~camartin/plants/Plant%20html%20files/rhuslancea.html