Lacquer Tree
Toxicodendron vernicifluum
Family: Anacardiaceae
What it is like
UPDATE: 22/08/11. This plant was originally in the database as Rhus verniciflua. It has now been changed to Toxicodendron vernicifluum (Stokes) F.A. Barkley as it's accepted name with Rhus verniciflua as a synonym
Toxicodendron vernicifluum is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 10 m (32ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 15
Where it is found
Woods and thickets on mountain slopes, usually around 1200 metres.
E. Asia - China, Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
Stimulant, tonic. The leaves are used in the treatment of wasting diseases and internal parasites. The seed is haemostatic and is used in the treatment of dysentery. A resin from the plant is emmenagogue, haemolytic, stimulant, tonic and vermifuge. Some caution is advised in the use of the leaves and stems of this plant, see the notes above on toxicity.
Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.
Other
Rating: 2
A non-drying oil is obtained from the fruit and is used in making candles. The fruit contains about 25% fat. The fruit is crushed, heated and then crushed to extract the oil. The oil attains a tallow-like consistency on standing and is used to make candles. These burn brilliantly, though they emit a pungent smoke. The sap can be used as a varnish or a lacquer. It is obtained by incision of the stem, which is best done in mid-summer. The lacquer is frequently used in Japanese art, it requires a damp atmosphere in which to dry and harden, a moist cave being ideal. It is resistant to acids, alkalis, alcohol and temperatures up to 70°c. The leaves and galls formed as a result of insect damage are rich in tannin. The leaves can be collected as they fall in the autumn and used as a brown dye or as a mordant.
Industrial Crop: Oil: Materials, chemicals and energy include bioplastics, biomass, glycerin, soaps, lubricants, paints, biodiesel. Oilseed crop types.
Industrial Crop: Wax: Water resistant, malleable substances. Currently, most commercial wax is made from paraffin - a fossil fuel.
Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.
Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.
Industrial Crop: Oil: Materials, chemicals and energy include bioplastics, biomass, glycerin, soaps, lubricants, paints, biodiesel. Oilseed crop types.
Industrial Crop: Wax: Water resistant, malleable substances. Currently, most commercial wax is made from paraffin - a fossil fuel.
Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.
Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.
Carbon Farming: Plants that can be a critical part of the solution to climate problems. The Carbon Farming Solution - Eric Toensmeier.
How it is grown
Succeeds in a well-drained fertile soil in full sun. One report says that this species is only hardy into zone 9 (tolerating only occasional light frosts) but there are large healthy trees at Cambridge and Edinburgh Botanical gardens, and both sites had fruiting trees in September 1989. Plants have brittle branches and these can be broken off in strong winds. Plants are also susceptible to coral spot fungus. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Cultivated for its lacquer in the warmer areas of Japan. Many of the species in this genus, including this one, are highly toxic and can also cause severe irritation to the skin of some people, whilst other species are not poisonous. It is relatively simple to distinguish which is which, the poisonous species have axillary panicles and smooth fruits whilst non-poisonous species have compound terminal panicles and fruits covered with acid crimson hairs. The toxic species are sometimes separated into their own genus, Toxicodendron, by some botanists. Partly dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. 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. The stored seed also needs hot water treatment and can be sown in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Root cuttings 4cm long taken in December and potted up vertically in a greenhouse. Good percentage. Suckers in late autumn to winter.
Best place to grow:
Habit: Tree
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
The plant contains toxic substances that can cause severe irritation to some people. The sap can be particularly caustic. All parts of the plant contain resinous phenolic compounds known as urushiols. Direct contacr with the plant, exposure to smoke or fumes from a burning plant or even contact with pets or animals that have touched the plant can cause severe allergic dermatitis in some individuals. There is usually a latent period of about 12 - 24 hours from the moment of contact, this is followed by a reddening and severe blistering of the skin. Even plant specimens 100 or more years old can cause problems.
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
Rhus verniciflua. R. kaempferi. R. vernicifera. R. vernix. non L.