Toxicodendron vernicifluum (formerly
Rhus verniciflua), also known by the common name
Chinese lacquer tree, is an
Asian tree species of genus
Toxicodendron (formerly
Rhus) native to
China and the
Indian subcontinent, and cultivated in regions of China,
Korea and
Japan. Other common names include
Japanese lacquer tree,
Japanese sumac, and
varnish tree. The trees are cultivated and tapped for their toxic sap, which is used as a highly durable
lacquer to make Chinese, Japanese, and Korean
lacquerware.