Rhus verniciflua Lacquer tree (Anacardiaceae) Deciduous tree

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Rhus verniciflua
Lacquer tree
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Rhus verniciflua plant species is found in E. Asia - China, Japan. It is a member of the Anacardiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Lacquer tree. Some home gardeners know the variety as R. kaempferi. R. vernicifera. R. vernix. non L. Toxicodendron verniciflua. (Stokes.)F.Barkley.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Rhus verniciflua
Common Name:  Lacquer tree
Family:  Anacardiaceae
Author:  Stokes.

Known Hazards:  The plant contains toxic substances that can cause severe irritation to some people[8, 19]. The sap can be particularly caustic[11].

Mature Height:  15   Mature Width:  10

Habitat:  Woods and thickets on mountain slopes[109], usually around 1200 metres[64].

General Uses: A non-drying oil is obtained from the fruit and is used in making candles[1, 11, 46, 57, 74, 109]. The fruit contains about 25% fat[218]. The fruit is crushed, heated and then crushed to extract the oil[K]. The oil attains a tallow-like consistency on standing and is used to make candles. These burn brilliantly, though they emit a pungent smoke[4]. The sap can be used as a varnish or a lacquer. It is obtained by incision of the stem[1, 4, 11, 19, 57, 74], which is best done in mid-summer[64]. The lacquer is frequently used in Japanese art, it requires a damp atmosphere in which to dry and harden, a moist cave being ideal[64]. It is resistant to acids, alkalis, alcohol and temperatures up to 70°c[171]. The leaves and galls formed as a result of insect damage are rich in tannin[4]. The leaves can be collected as they fall in the autumn and used as a brown dye or as a mordant[169].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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