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Rhus chinensisRhus chinensis
Rhus chinensis
Rhus chinensis
Rhus chinensis
Rhus chinensis
Rhus chinensisRhus chinensisRhus chinensisOverview
Rhus chinensis, the Chinese sumac or nutgall tree, is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the genus Rhus. Growing to 6 m (20 ft) tall, it has downy shoots and leaves comprising several leaflets. These turn red in autumn before falling.
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
The plant is common in East and South Asia, and is cultivated as an ornamental in temperate climates.
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
Galls produced on the species that are called Chinese gall (Galla chinensis), are a source of gallotannins, molecules of hydrolyzable tannins. Infestation of the tree by Chinese sumac aphids (Melaphis chinensis Bell) may lead to production of a gall that is valued as a commercial product in China.
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
Chinese galls are used in traditional Chinese medicine for coughs, diarrhea, night sweats, dysentery, and intestinal and uterine bleeding. Some research has suggested that chemical compounds found in Rhus chinensis possess in vitro antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiarrheal, and antioxidant activities. The aqueous extracts of the gall also inhibit alpha-glucosidase activity in vitro.
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
Life cycle
From seed to productSeed & germination
Ripe **seed** is collected and sown fresh or stored dry; germination is best on a moist, well-drained seedbed.
Seedling & growth
Young plants gain height, branch and build a stable canopy in their first growing season.
Flowering
In season the plant opens **small yellowish-white flowers, August–September**, adding colour and nectar for insects.
Fruiting & harvest
Fruit ripens and seed is collected for propagation; **leaf galls (Chinese galls) harvested in autumn**.
Uses
- Chinese galls are used in traditional Chinese medicine for coughs, diarrhea, night sweats, dysentery, and intestinal and uterine bleeding.
Habitat & conservation
The plant is common in East and South Asia, and is cultivated as an ornamental in temperate climates. Some research has suggested that chemical compounds found in Rhus chinensis possess in vitro antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiarrheal, and antioxidant activities.
Conservation
Rhus chinensis has not been assessed by the IUCN Red List (NE). As a medicinal plant, it benefits from sustainable collection and propagation to protect wild genetic resources.
References
- 1Wikipedia – Rhus chinensis — Wikipedia,
- 2Kew POWO – Rhus chinensis — Plants of the World Online (Kew),
- 3Wikidata – Q163116 — Wikidata,