Chinese Gall (Rhus chinensis)

Family: Anacardiaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Rhus chinensis is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - cooked. An acid flavour. It is also used medicinally. The fruit can be used as a salt or a rennet substitute. — It is also used medicinally.; The fruit can be used as a salt or a rennet substitute.

Habitat & North American Range

Lowland, hills and mountains in Japan. Also found in the Himalayas (as R. semialata) where it grows in secondary forests to 2100 metres. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)