Anacardiaceae: Characteristics and Examples of the Sumac Family

Anacardiaceae is a family of flowering plants commonly known as the sumac family. The name comes from the Greek words "ana" meaning "without" and "cardia" meaning "heart", likely due to the fact that the fruit of some species in this family contains no pulp or juice, like a heart. This family includes both deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs, with over 60 genera and around 1500 species found worldwide, particularly in warm temperate and tropical regions.

2. What are some common characteristics of Anacardiaceae ?

Some common characteristics of Anacardiaceae include:

* Simple, alternate leaves with entire margins or with a few teeth
* Small, inconspicuous flowers that are often greenish-yellow or white
* Fruit that is a drupe (a single seed surrounded by a fleshy outer layer) or a pome (a fruit with a leathery rind and a soft, juicy interior)
* A thick, hard bark that can be rough or smooth
* A milky sap that can be irritating to the skin
* Some species have spines or thorns on their stems and leaves

3. What are some examples of Anacardiaceae ?

Some examples of Anacardiaceae include:

* Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) - a deciduous tree native to Brazil and now widely cultivated in tropical regions for its edible seeds
* Pistachio (Pistacia vera) - an evergreen tree native to the Middle East and Mediterranean region, known for its edible nuts
* Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) - an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean region, with aromatic leaves and fruit used in perfumes and traditional medicine
* Terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus) - an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean region, with hard, durable wood and fruit that is used as a flavoring agent
* Sumac (Rhus spp.) - deciduous shrubs or small trees found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, known for their bright red or purple fall foliage and edible, acidic fruit.