Sumac

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Sumac

Sumac (/ˈsjuːmæk/ or /ˈʃuːmæk/), from the Arabic word سماق (summaq), meaning "red," is a genus of flowering plants in the family Anacardiaceae. The genus is composed of approximately 35 species of deciduous or evergreen shrubs and small trees.

Etymology

The word "sumac" is derived from the Arabic word سماق (summaq), which means "red." This is likely a reference to the brightly colored fruits of the plant, which are often a deep red.

Description

Sumacs are shrubs and small trees that can reach a height of 1-10 meters. The leaves are spirally arranged; they are usually pinnately compound, though some species have trifoliate or simple leaves. The flowers are in dense panicles or spikes 5-30 centimeters long, each flower very small, greenish, creamy white or red, with five petals. The fruits form dense clusters of reddish drupes called sumac bobs.

Uses

Sumac is used as a medicinal plant, a spice, a dye, and as a tanning agent. In medicine, it is used for a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, skin conditions, and respiratory issues. The plant's high tannin content makes it useful in leather production, and its vibrant color has made it a popular dye. In cooking, sumac is used for its tart, lemony flavor.

Related Terms

  • Anacardiaceae: The family of flowering plants to which sumac belongs.
  • Drupes: A type of fruit in which an outer fleshy part surrounds a shell with a seed inside. Sumac fruits are drupes.
  • Tannin: A class of astringent, polyphenolic biomolecules that bind to and precipitate proteins and various other organic compounds.

External links

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