French sumac (Coriaria myrtifolia, Sp. Pl.: 1037 (1753))

Family: Coriariaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1037 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Coriaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Medit. to W. Greece

Description

French sumac, scientifically known as Coriaria myrtifolia, is a notable plant species first documented by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753. This intriguing plant is part of the Coriariaceae family and is primarily found in regions spanning from the Western Mediterranean to Western Greece.

This plant is characterized by its distinctive appearance and adaptability to various environmental conditions within its native range. Typically, French sumac thrives in well-drained soils and is often encountered in calcareous, rocky terrains, adding to the diverse flora of its habitat.

Coriaria myrtifolia is recognized for its importance in the ecosystem, providing habitat and food for various local wildlife. Its leaves and fruits, while visually appealing, contain toxic substances, and thus, they play a crucial role in the natural defense mechanisms against herbivores. This toxicity has historically made it a subject of interest in both botanical and toxicological studies.

In addition to its ecological significance, the French sumac has cultural and historical relevance. Its unique properties have been known to local populations for centuries, often featuring in traditional practices and lore. Though it is not widely cultivated due to its toxic nature, it remains a plant of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

In summary, French sumac (Coriaria myrtifolia) is a fascinating plant with a notable history and significant ecological role in its native regions from the Western Mediterranean to Western Greece, contributing to the botanical richness and biodiversity of these areas.

Common Names

Swe: europeisk garvarbuske
En: French Sumac, Mediterranean Coriaria, Myrtle Coriaria, Myrtle-leaved Sumac, Tanner’s Tree, Tartarian Cornel
Ar: كورياريا ميرتيفوليا
Ca: Roldor
Nl: Looiersstruik, Looimyrte
Fi: Myrttikoriaria
Fr: Corroyère, Corroyère à feuilles de myrte, Redoul, Herbe aux tanneurs, Sumac de Montpellier, Sumac de Provence, Herbe-aux-tanneurs
De: Gerberstrauch
It: Coriaria, Sommacco provenzale
Es: Emborrachacabras, Garapalo, Hierba zapatera, Roldón
Sv: Europeisk garvarbuske
: French sumac

Synonyms

• Coriaria hermaphrodita (Turra)
• Coriaria tinctoria (Dulac)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Spain (native)
• Portugal (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 25, 2021 by Biophilia Lovers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2021 by etienne copeaux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2020 by Farrero Antoni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2020 by Christophe Maheu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2017 by silvia pardina (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 18, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2019 by del dem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2021 by etienne copeaux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2020 by Christophe Maheu (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 5, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2021 by etienne copeaux (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2019 by del Toro Óscar (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 19, 2021 by Laura Riolon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2019 by del dem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2016 by Ignasi Tejedor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2017 by patrick locheron (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 2, 2022 by Thierry S. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Bernard Andrieu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2021 by Juliette Serra (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2021 by Juliette Serra (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 5, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 22, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Vincent LEJEUNE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2019 by del dem (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3701787)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:271361-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Coriaria myrtifolia L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Shrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 4