African Sumac Podcast Script

So if you’re still listening, this is the podcast for the African Sumac tree. As you may have guessed already, this dicot tree is native to South Africa, but due to its high tolerance, it can be planted in almost any environment. Since it conforms to the area given and provides a great shade and wind screen, it is perfect for small backyards or patios.


The African sumac itself is a relatively small evergreen tree that can grow up to 24 feet high and 24 feet wide. The sumac also has very distinctive features such as its coarse brown bark and orange under layer. Since it is an evergreen tree, the hairless leaves are green throughout the year and typically compound in groups of three lance-shaped leaflets each 2-4 inches long, which is also how the tree’s scientific name is derived. If you are viewing the African Sumac during the spring season, you may notice small white-green blossoms. The sumac usually blossoms throughout late January and early April depending on the zone of the tree. By April, most sumacs will have already created its fruit. The small tan fruit, which is edible, contains multiple black seeds which are spread through the droppings of birds that eat the sumac fruit.


As said earlier, the African Sumac is a very tolerant plant that requires little nurture. The sumac can survive with little to no water, but for a healthy sumac, it should be watered once every one or two weeks and given enough time for the soil to completely dry before the next watering. The sumac should also be placed in an area with lots of sun exposure, it thrives with sunlight. To give your sumac the most effective environment please view the African Sumac Soil page which contains more detailed information. As a reminder these tips are for the best results, don’t stress if you forget to water your sumac for long periods of time, your sumac should be fine. One minor inconvenience is that fact that the African Sumac constantly sheds its leaves year round creating a tedious clean up job. But since its such a wonderful plant, its worth the time and effort.


Not only is your African Sumac a great tree for shade or wind protection, it’s leaves and fruit can also be used to create some great tasting beverages or spices. For more information on making or homemade sumac-ade or beer, please refer to the African Sumac Food page.

This concludes the end of the African Sumac podcast. Thank you for listening and please come back again.


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