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toxicodendron

A genus (formerly rhus) of shrubs, vines, or trees that yields a highly allergenic oleoresin which causes a severe contact dermatitis. The most toxic species are toxicodendron vernix (poison sumac), t. Diversilobum (poison oak), and t. Radicans (poison ivy). T. Vernicifera yields a useful varnish from which certain enzymes (laccases) are obtained.