Punjab sumac
Rhus punjabensis
Family: Anacardiaceae
What it is like
A small tree. It grows 12 m tall. The young shoots are hairy with a rusty covering. The leaves have an irregular number of leaflets with a leaflet at the end. There are 9-13 leaflets that are opposite. They are 4-12 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. They are narrowly oval and can have fine teeth around the edge. The groups of flowers are at the ends of branches. The fruit is fleshy and 3-4 mm across.
There are about 200 Rhus species. Caution: The juice of the leaves can irritate the skin.
Where it is found
It is a warm temperate plant. In Pakistan it grows between 1,200-2,400 m above sea level. In China it grows on hills and mountain forests between 400-3,500 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, SE Asia, Tibet
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten. They are also used for drinks.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Amlara, Dasmila, Dhuri, Dor, Kangar, Palai, Rashtu