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].

General Uses: The leaves are rich in tannin. They can be collected as they fall in the autumn and used as a brown dye or as a mordant[169]. A blue dye is obtained from insect galls on the plant[61], it can also be used as an ink[171]. The galls are formed as a result of damage by the greenfly, Aphis chinensis[223]. The galls contain up to 77% tannin[223]. The reports do not say if the galls are harvested before or after the insect has left the gall. An oil is extracted from the seeds[4, 146]. It attains a tallow-like consistency on standing and is used to make candles. These burn brilliantly, though they emit a pungent smoke[4]. The wood is soft and is not used[158].

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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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