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the web of life in southern Africa

Smodingium argutum (African Poison Oak, African Poison Ivy)

Life > eukaryotes > Archaeoplastida > Chloroplastida > Charophyta > Streptophytina > Plantae (land plants) > Tracheophyta (vascular plants) > Euphyllophyta > Lignophyta (woody plants) > Spermatophyta (seed plants) > Angiospermae (flowering plants) > Eudicotyledons > Core Eudicots > Rosids > Eurosid II > Order: Sapindales > Family: Anacardiaceae 

The sap contains a resin which causes a severe allergic reaction when it comes into contact with a susceptible person's skin. The reaction can include swelling, itching, rash, blisters and pain, which can persist for days after contact.

Publications

  • Ellis, R.P. 1974. Smodingium dermatitis: the intercellular secretory canals of the aerial axis and their relation to this toxity. Bothalia 11: 259-262.