Plants: Species

Sumac: African Sumac Rhus lancea

FAMILY: ANACARDIACEAE (Cashew Family)

The African sumac is made to take it: the heat, that is! Native to South Africa, this small, weeping tree has lance-shaped leaves which inspired its taxonomic name, lancea. The leaves are enjoyed by hoofed stock, both for shade and for food, but the resin in the leaves can taint the flavor of milk if eaten in large quantities by dairy cattle. Its hard wood can be used for fence posts, bowls, and tool handles; its fruits were once used to make mead or honey beer.

You can spend some time in the shade of an African sumac in the Zoo's Kopje exhibit.