Wax tree, Japanese wax tree, Japan tallow
Rhus succedanea

Family: Anacardiaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows about 10 m tall. The leaves have stalks. There are 7 leaflets which are oval and taper to the tip. The leaflets are arranged along the stalk. The leaflets are often reddish. The flowers are greenish. They occur in clusters in the axils of leaves. The fruit is fleshy with a hard covering over the seed. The fruit is brown and oblique.

There are about 200 Rhus species. It has anticancer properties.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. In Nepal plants grown between 1300-2400 m altitude. They grow in open places. Hobart Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Europe, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Japan, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim, Taiwan, Tasmania, Thailand, Tibet, Turkey, Türkiye, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The acidic pulp of the fruit is edible. The oil from the fruit is used in cooking.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Arkhol, Bhalayo, Bhalayo, Bol-khatthi, Bol-micheng, Choklu, Ding-keon, Habatul-khizra, Hakkai, Hala, Halashi, Kado ling, Kakada-shingi, Kakain, Kakeera-sryngi, Kakkata-theingi, Kakra-singri, Karkata-shringi, Karkkaadagasurgi, Kattara-thinche, Khaen mo, Khongma, Lakhar, Makkak khao, Makok kiam, Rani bhaleyo, Raniwhalayo, Rikhul, Sadao chaang, Serhnyok, Shah, Wild varnish tree, Woorsheng

Synonyms

Toxicodendron succedaneum (L.)Kuntze; Rhus acuminata DC; Rhus succedanea var. acuminata (DC)Hook.f.; Rhus succedanea var. himalaica Hook.f.; Rhus succedanea var. sikkimensis Hook.f.;