DISTRIBUTION: Occurs in shaded valleys, often Acacia dominated thorn bush in low rainfall areas.
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION:
General: A medium-sized tree, resembling Rhus spp.
Leaves: Dark green, leathery with three leaflets. Margins sharply toothed. Sap somewhat milky.
Flowers: Small, creamy green, in large loosely branched sprays. All floral parts in fives. November - March.
Fruit: Flattened nut with a red papery wing, containing an aromatic oil.
TOXIC PRINCIPLE:
Heptadecyl catechols.
SYSTEMS AFFECTED:
Skin and appendages.
CLINICAL SIGNS:
The sap causes a livid rash in humans which swells and blisters, accompanied by great discomfort, itching and intense burning pain which can persist for a long time.
