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].

Medicinal Information: The leaves and the roots are depurative[147]. They stimulate blood circulation[147]. A decoction is used in the treatment of haemoptysis, inflammations, laryngitis, snakebite, stomachache and traumatic fractures[147, 218]. The stem bark is astringent and anthelmintic[218]. The fruit is used in the treatment of colic[240]. The seed is used in the treatment of coughs, dysentery, fever, jaundice, malaria and rheumatism[218]. The rootbark is cholagogue[218]. Galls on the plant are used internally for their astringent and styptic properties[218]. They are a frequent ingredient in polyherbal prescriptions for diabetes mellitus[218]. An excresence produced on the leaf by an insect Melaphis chinensis or M. paitan is antiseptic, astringent and haemostatic[176]. It s used in the treatment of persistent cough with blood, chronic diarrhoea, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, bloody stool, urorrhoea and bloody sputum. It is used applied externally to burns, bleeding due to traumatic injuries, haemorrhoids and ulcers in the mouth[176]. Some caution is advised in the use of the leaves and stems of this plant, see the notes above on toxicity.

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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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