Toxicodendron vernicifluum

Species of tree in the family Anacardiaceae

Toxicodendron vernicifluum, commonly known as the Chinese lacquer tree, is a species of tree 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 material used in traditional East Asian art and craft.

Description

Mature Toxicodendron vernicifluum in the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

Toxicodendron vernicifluum is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters in height. The leaves are pinnate, with 7 to 19 leaflets that are ovate to lanceolate in shape. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-yellow in color.

The fruit of the tree is a small drupe, which is initially green and turns brown as it matures. The tree's bark is grayish-brown and becomes fissured with age.

Distribution and Habitat

Toxicodendron vernicifluum is found in temperate regions of East Asia. It thrives in well-drained soils and is often found in mixed forests and along riverbanks. The tree prefers sunny locations but can tolerate partial shade.

Uses

Leaves and immature fruit on a mature Toxicodendron vernicifluum, Edinburgh

The sap of Toxicodendron vernicifluum is harvested to produce lacquer, which is used to coat and protect wooden objects, giving them a glossy finish. This lacquer is highly valued in traditional East Asian art, particularly in Japan and China.

The process of collecting the sap is labor-intensive and requires careful handling, as the sap contains urushiol, a compound that can cause skin irritation.

Toxicity

The sap of Toxicodendron vernicifluum contains urushiol, an oil that can cause allergic reactions in many people. Contact with the sap can lead to dermatitis, characterized by itching, redness, and blistering of the skin. It is important to handle the tree and its products with care to avoid exposure.

Cultivation

Close-up of leaves of Toxicodendron vernicifluum

Toxicodendron vernicifluum is cultivated for its valuable sap. The tree is typically grown in plantations, where it is tapped for its sap after reaching maturity. The cultivation requires specific climatic conditions and careful management to ensure a high-quality yield of lacquer.

Related pages

• Lacquerware
• Urushiol
• Anacardiaceae