Sugar bush, Sugar sumac
Schmaltzia ovata

Family: Anacardiaceae

What it is like

An evergreen shrub. It grows 3-4 m tall. It has a short trunk and spreading branches. The leaves are dark glossy green. The flowers are small and in tightly grouped clusters.

There are about 200 Rhus species.

Where it is found

A Mediterranean climate plant. It can tolerate drought and frost once established. It grows up to 800 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Central America, Mexico, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The pulp of the fruit is sucked for the juice on its surface. The sweet white sap on the fruit is used as an acid flavouring or a sugar substitute. The leaves are boiled to make tea.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Neostyphonia ovata (S. Watson) Abrams; Rhus ovata S. Watson;