Rhus. Rhus spp. Sumac, Sumach.

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RHUS.—The genus Rhus contains various species which have the property—probably even without direct contact—of so violently irritating susceptible skins as to produce severe dermatitis. Of these poisonous species there are six which are indigenous to the United States.

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RHUS METOPIUM (Sumice Metopi; Coral Sumach)
Rhus Metopium L. (Metopium Linnaea, Engelm.),
Mountain Manchineel, Coral Sumac, is a West Indian species, growing also in the "hummock" lands of Southern Florida. It is a small tree, the bark, when wounded, exuding a gum-resin (hog gum) to which medicinal properties are ascribed. The leaves are pinnate with fine leaflets. To the acid red fruit is due the name Coral Sumac. It is exceedingly poisonous.