Toxicodendron vernicifluum: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:53, 9 February 2025

Species of flowering plant in the cashew family

Toxicodendron vernicifluum, commonly known as the Chinese lacquer tree, is a species of flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to East Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. The tree is notable for producing a sap that is used to create lacquer, a durable and glossy finish applied to various objects.

Description

Toxicodendron vernicifluum is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters in height. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 7 to 13 leaflets that are ovate to lanceolate in shape. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are yellowish-green in color. The fruit is a small drupe, which is initially green and turns brown as it matures.

Distribution and habitat

The species is found in temperate regions of East Asia, particularly in China, Korea, and Japan. It thrives in well-drained soils and is often found in forests and on hillsides.

Uses

The sap of Toxicodendron vernicifluum is harvested to produce lacquer, which has been used for centuries in traditional East Asian art and craft. The process of collecting the sap is labor-intensive and requires skill to avoid skin irritation, as the sap contains urushiol, a compound that can cause allergic reactions.

Toxicity

The sap of Toxicodendron vernicifluum contains urushiol, which is also found in other members of the genus Toxicodendron, such as poison ivy. Contact with the sap can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Proper handling and protective measures are necessary when working with the tree.

Gallery

Toxicodendron vernicifluum tree
Mature tree in Edinburgh
Leaves and immature fruit
Close-up of leaves

Related pages

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-'''Toxicodendron vernicifluum''', also known as the [[Chinese lacquer tree]], is a species of [[plant]] in the [[Anacardiaceae]] family. It is native to [[China]] and the [[Indian subcontinent]], and is known for its use in the production of [[lacquer]].
+{{short description|Species of flowering plant in the cashew family}}
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Toxicodendron vernicifluum
+| image = Toxicodendron_vernicifluum_01.jpg
+| image_caption = Toxicodendron vernicifluum tree
+| regnum = [[Plantae]]
+| unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]]
+| unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]]
+| unranked_ordo = [[Rosids]]
+| ordo = [[Sapindales]]
+| familia = [[Anacardiaceae]]
+| genus = ''[[Toxicodendron]]''
+| species = '''''T. vernicifluum'''''
+| binomial = ''Toxicodendron vernicifluum''
+| binomial_authority = (Stokes) F.A.Barkley
+}}
-== Description ==
+'''''Toxicodendron vernicifluum''''', commonly known as the Chinese lacquer tree, is a species of flowering plant in the family [[Anacardiaceae]]. It is native to East Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. The tree is notable for producing a sap that is used to create lacquer, a durable and glossy finish applied to various objects.
-'''Toxicodendron vernicifluum''' is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters in height. The leaves are trifoliate, with three leaflets on each leaf. The flowers are small and yellowish-green, and the fruit is a small drupe.
-== Distribution and habitat ==
+==Description==
-'''Toxicodendron vernicifluum''' is native to China and the Indian subcontinent. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and scrublands.
+''Toxicodendron vernicifluum'' is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters in height. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 7 to 13 leaflets that are ovate to lanceolate in shape. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are yellowish-green in color. The fruit is a small drupe, which is initially green and turns brown as it matures.
-== Uses ==
+==Distribution and habitat==
-The sap of '''Toxicodendron vernicifluum''' is used to produce lacquer in China. This lacquer is used in the production of furniture, musical instruments, and other items. The tree is also used in traditional medicine in China and India.
+The species is found in temperate regions of East Asia, particularly in China, Korea, and Japan. It thrives in well-drained soils and is often found in forests and on hillsides.
-== Toxicity ==
+==Uses==
-The sap of '''Toxicodendron vernicifluum''' contains [[urushiol]], a potent allergen that can cause severe skin reactions in sensitive individuals. Contact with the sap can cause [[dermatitis]], a skin condition characterized by redness, swelling, and itching.
+The sap of ''Toxicodendron vernicifluum'' is harvested to produce lacquer, which has been used for centuries in traditional East Asian art and craft. The process of collecting the sap is labor-intensive and requires skill to avoid skin irritation, as the sap contains urushiol, a compound that can cause allergic reactions.
-== Conservation status ==
+==Toxicity==
-'''Toxicodendron vernicifluum''' is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, habitat loss and overharvesting for lacquer production are potential threats to the species.
+The sap of ''Toxicodendron vernicifluum'' contains urushiol, which is also found in other members of the genus ''[[Toxicodendron]]'', such as poison ivy. Contact with the sap can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Proper handling and protective measures are necessary when working with the tree.
-== See also ==
+==Gallery==
-* [[List of Toxicodendron species]]
+<gallery>
-* [[Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis]]
+File:Toxicodendron_vernicifluum_01.jpg|''Toxicodendron vernicifluum'' tree
+File:Mature_Toxicodendron_vernicifluum,_Royal_Botanic_Garden,_Edinburgh.jpg|Mature tree in Edinburgh
+File:Leaves_and_immature_fruit_on_a_mature_Toxicodendron_vernicifluum,_Edinburgh.jpg|Leaves and immature fruit
+File:Toxicodendron_vernicifluum_03.jpg|Close-up of leaves
+</gallery>
+==Related pages==
+* [[Lacquerware]]
+* [[Urushiol]]
+* [[Anacardiaceae]]
 [[Category:Toxicodendron]]
 [[Category:Flora of China]]
-[[Category:Flora of the Indian subcontinent]]
+[[Category:Flora of Korea]]
-[[Category:Plants used in traditional Chinese medicine]]
+[[Category:Flora of Japan]]
-[[Category:Plants used in Ayurveda]]
-{{Anacardiaceae-stub}}
-{{Asia-flora-stub}}