Rhus chinensis Chinese gall (Anacardiaceae) Deciduous tree

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Rhus chinensis
Chinese gall
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Rhus chinensis plant species is found in E. Asia - China, Japan. It is a member of the Anacardiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Chinese gall. Some home gardeners know the variety as R. javanica. non L. R. osbeckii. R. semialata.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Rhus chinensis
Common Name:  Chinese gall
Family:  Anacardiaceae
Author:  Mill.

Known Hazards:  There are some suggestions that the sap of this species can cause a skin rash in susceptible people, but this has not been substantiated. See also notes in 'Cultivation Details'.

Mature Height:  6   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Lowland, hills and mountains in Japan[58]. Also found in the Himalayas (as R. semialata) where it grows in secondary forests to 2100 metres[146].

Propagation Notes: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in hot water (starting at a temperature of 80 - 90c and allowing it to cool) prior to sowing in order to leach out any germination inhibitors[200]. This soak water can be drunk and has a delicious lemon-flavour. The stored seed also needs hot water treatment and can be sown in early spring in a cold frame[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame[200]. Root cuttings 4cm long taken in December and potted up vertically in a greenhouse. Good percentage[78, 200]. Suckers in late autumn to winter[200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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