Rhus taitensis

Rhus taitensis is a small tree or shrub in the mango family Anacardiaceae. It is found from tropical Asia, to Australia and many islands of the Pacific Ocean. The chemical tetrahydroxysqualene from dried and ground parts of R. taitensis has in vitro activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the plant has been used in folk medicine locally to treat diarrhea and hearing loss.

Distribution

The native range of R. taitensis includes Asian countries, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines; western and south central Pacific island locales, such as the Society Islands of French Polynesia, Niue, Palau and others within Micronesia, and the Solomon Islands; and Australia.