Toxicodendron vernicifluum
Toxicodendron vernicifluum
Safety & Hazards
Species in the genus Toxicodendron are known to contain resinous phenolic compounds known as urushiols that can cause severe skin problems in humans. Direct contacr with the plant, exposure to smoke or fumes from a burning plant or even contact with pets, animals or cothing that have touched the plant can cause severe allergic dermatitis in some individuals. There is usually a latent period of about 12 - 24 hours from the moment of contact, this is followed by a reddening and severe blistering of the skin. Even plant specimens 100 or more years old have been known to cause problems[ 274 Title Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas Publication Author Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J Website http://artemis.austincollege.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/NCTXpdf.htm Publisher Botanical Research Institute, Texas. Year 1999 ISBN 1-889878-01-4 Description An excellent flora, which is also available on-line. ]. The plant does not cause skin problems with wildlife or livestock - the foliage and fruits are eaten by several other species of animals and birds - though some pets are sensitive to it[ 1050 Title Fire Effects Information System Publication Author Website http://www.feis-crs.org/feis/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An on-line information site with comprehensive information on over 1,100 species of plant. Mainly developed to supply information on the effects of fire on plants and animals, it also contains a wealth of other information on the plants ].
Botanical Description
Toxicodendron vernicifluum is a deciduous tree of erect, slender habit when young[ it can grow up to 20 metres tall[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. ]. This is one of the primary species of Toxicodendron that is harvested on a commercial basis for its sap - this is used to make a varnish that is widely employed in Oriental artwork. The plant is both cultivated and also harvested from the wild for this purpose. The tree also yields an oil and a wax and has a range of medicinal applications.