SC - RE: SC- Sumac (Long)

[LrdRas at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/24/99 2:23:28 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
ringofkings at mindspring.com writes:

<< Time for another at length plant pontification by
 Akim (who, like sumac, also causes some people
 rashes). >>

I would like to add that the modern word 'sumac (var. sumach)' is derived 
from the Middle English 'sumac' which in turn is derived from a Middle French 
word which is ultimately derived from the Arabic summaq. The word in it's 
current form was first used in English print in the 14th century CE.

You might want to add to your exhaustive list of 'Rhus' information the fact 
that the word 'sumac' is also used when describing certain 'material used in 
tanning or dyeing that consists of dried powdered leaves and flowers of 
various sumacs'.

Members of the Rhus genus not only include trees and shrubs but also woody 
vines of the cashew family whose leaves are pinnately compound and turn to 
brilliant colors in the autumn. The flowers are dioecious and are followed by 
spikes or loose clusters of red or whitish berries.

According the agricultural extension agent, any sensitivity that a person 
appears to have toward staghorn sumac is most likely attributable to other 
members of the Rhus genus such as poison ivy and poison oak which not only 
grow in similar habitats but are also frequently found growing among staghorn 
stands. Conversely poison sumac is seldom found among staghorn stands and 
even if it were growing there the 2 species are obviously dissimilar when 
viewed side by side.

To his knowledge, he has never personally known anyone who was sensitive to 
staghorn sumac.

Poison sumac (Rhus vernix), also called poison dogwood, is a shrub that is 
usually located in swamps or other wet places. It has 'pinnate leaves, 
greenish flowers, and greenish white berries and produces an irritating oil.'

Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is a native of eastern North America which is 
found growing most often in abandoned fields or open landscape. It is a 
'shrub or small tree with velvety-pubescent branches and flower stalks, 
leaves turning brilliant red in fall, and dense panicles of greenish yellow 
flowers followed by hairy crimson fruits.' This species, while not identical 
to that which is found in Europe and the Middle East, is so similar to it 
that those differences would appear to be unimportant to the lay person. It 
can be substituted for the European/Middle Eastern variety in cookery. Any 
flavor differences are so subtle as to indistinguishable except to the most 
sensitive palates.

Ras
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