Toxicodendron succedaneum
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The larvae of the moths Eteoryctis deversa, Caloptilia aurifasciata, Caloptilia protiella, Caloptilia rhois, and Callidrepana patrana feed on T. succedaneum.
Chemistry
The plant produces hinokiflavone, a cytotoxic biflavonoid. Its stems are also a commercial source of fisetin, extracted in China.
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Uses
It is used to produce lacquer. In Vietnam, lacquer is used to produce lacquer paintings, known as sơn mài, from resin of the tree.
In East Asia, in particular in Japan, traditional candle fuel (also called Japan wax) was produced, among other sumac plants, from Toxicodendron succedaneum crushed fruits rather than beeswax or animal fats. Japan's wax is a byproduct of lacquer manufacture. It is not a true wax but a fat that contains 10–15% palmitin, stearin, and olein with about 1% japanic acid (1,21-heneicosanedioic acid). Japan wax is sold in flat squares or disks and has a rancid odor. It is extracted by expression, heat, or the action of solvents. The fatty-acid methyl ester of the kernel oil meets all of the major biodiesel requirements in the USA (ASTM D 6751-02, ASTM PS 121-99), Germany (DIN V 51606), and the European Union (EN 14214).
It is used as a medicinal plant in India.
The fruits are edible, though their consumption is not recommended because of the general toxicity of the plant.