Rhus chinensis – Chinese Sumac

Rhus chinensis

Family: Anacardiaceae.

Common names: Chinese Sumac.

The tree has a range of uses including – producing an edible fruit; having medicinal properties; a source of tannins, dye plant and source of oil. It is gathered from the wild and mainly used locally. Galls produced as a result of insect activity on the plant are widely used medicinally in east Asia, especially in polyherbal preparations, and are often traded. A very ornamental plant, it is sometimes grown in gardens. Fruit – cooked. An acid flavour. It is also used medicinally. The fruit can be used as a salt or a rennet substitute. Individual fruits are quite small, with very little flesh, but they are produced in clusters and are easily harvested.

Sowing instructions:  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 . This soak water can be drunk and has a delicious lemon-flavour.

Locality: Ex Hort. Harvest: June 2024