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Rhus succedanea Wax tree Deciduous tree (1 Page of 5) The Rhus succedanea plant species is found in E. Asia - China, Japan, Himalayas. It is a member of the Anacardiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Wax tree. Some home gardeners know the variety as Toxicodendron succedaneum. (L.)Mold. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Rhus succedanea Common Name: Wax tree Family: Anacardiaceae Author: L. Known Hazards: This plant contains toxic substances which can cause severe irritation to some people. The fresh sap causes skin blisters[145]. The leaves contain the ubiquitous carcinogen shikimic acid[218]. Mature Height: 9 Mature Width: 9 Habitat: Forests and shrubberies to 2400 metres in the Himalayas[51].
Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in a well-drained fertile soil in full sun[11, 200].
Plants are not very hardy in Britain, though they succeed outdoors in the mildest areas of the country[1, 11]. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts.
Plants have brittle branches and these can be broken off in strong winds[200]. Plants are also susceptible to coral spot fungus[11]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].
This species is frequently cultivated in Japan for its sap and the wax obtained from its fruit[11].
Many of the species in this genus, including this one, are highly toxic and can also cause severe irritation to the skin of some people, whilst other species are not poisonous. It is relatively simple to distinguish which is which, the poisonous species have axillary panicles and smooth fruits whilst non-poisonous species have compound terminal panicles and fruits covered with acid crimson hairs[1, 4]. The toxic species are sometimes separated into their own genus, Toxicodendron, by some botanists[200].
Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
For further Rhus succedanea gardening information click on one of the blue links below 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'. View their bibliography

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