Sumac
Searsia parviflora

Family: Anacardiaceae

What it is like

An evergreen shrub. It has many branches. The leaves have stalks. They are alternate and have 3 leaflets. The lower pair of leaflets are smaller. They have irregular teeth. They are hairy on both surfaces. The tip is rounded. They gradually taper to the base. The flowers are yellowish and have a scent. The fruit are small and round. They are red when ripe.

There are about 200 Rhus species.

Where it is found

A tropical and subtropical plant. In Nepal plants grow between 700-1400 m altitude. The grow on open, dry hillsides.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Nepal, SE Asia, Sri Lanka

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit eaten raw or pickled. They are sour in taste. They are also dried. They are mixed with salt and used like tamarind.

Fruit are sold in markets.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Dantya, Dungla, Mai-kokkyin, Ninas, Ninawa, Raitung, Ranel, Samak, Samakdana, Satibair, Saunla, Tumra, Tung, Tunga, Tungla

Synonyms

Toxicodendron parviflorum (Roxb.)Kuntze;