Rhus lucida L.
Frost tender shrub or small tree with grey-brown bark, compound leaves with 3 leaflets and terminal or axillary clusters of ivory flowers followed by yellow fruits. To 4m or more. [RHSD].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘Rhus lucida, L. South Africa. This shrub proved here of particular adaptability for forming hedges. About half a hundred South African species are known, of which probably some could be utilized like ordinary Sumach, but hitherto we have remained unacquainted with the nature and degree of any of their tanning and coloring principles.’ [Ferdinand von Mueller – Select Plants readily eligible for Industrial Culture p.120/1872].
Introduced to Britain in 1697. [PD]. Figured in Jacquin Sch. vol.3, t.347/1797-1804.
History at Camden Park
First listed in a handwritten note in an 1850 catalogue held at the Mitchell Library [MP A2947A] and subsequently in the 1857 catalogue [T.823/1857]. Possibly introduced to test its potential as a hedging species.
Notes
Rhus lucida Ait. (1769) = Rhus mucronata Thunb. from South Africa.
Rhus lucida E.Mey. ex Engl. (1883) = Rhus glauca Thunb. from South Africa.
Published Mar 17, 2010 - 02:52 PM | Last updated Mar 17, 2010 - 03:10 PM
Family | Anacardiaceae |
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Category | |
Region of origin | South Africa |
Synonyms | |
Common Name | |
Name in the Camden Park Record |
Rhus lucidus |
Confidence level | high |