Are Pistacia Chinensis and Rhus Chinensis in the same botanical family?

Yes — both belong to Anacardiaceae.

Can you substitute Pistacia Chinensis for Rhus Chinensis?

They share the Anacardiaceae family, so they can sometimes substitute in recipes — with notable differences in aroma.

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Pistacia Chinensis vs Rhus Chinensis

Pistacia chinensis · Rhus chinensis

Pistacia Chinensis

Pistacia chinensis

T Traditional Use

Family: Anacardiaceae
Genus: Pistacia
Primary use: medicinal

Pistacia chinensis, the Chinese pistache, is a small to medium-sized tree in the genus Pistacia in the cashew family Anacardiaceae, native to central and western China. This species is planted as a street tree in temperate areas worldwide due to its attractive fruit and autumn fo…

Rhus Chinensis

Rhus chinensis

T Traditional Use

Family: Anacardiaceae
Genus: Rhus
Primary use: medicinal

Rhus chinensis, the Chinese sumac or nutgall tree, is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the genus Rhus. Growing to 6 m (20 ft) tall, it has downy shoots and leaves comprising several leaflets. These turn red in autumn before falling.

At a glance

· Both in Anacardiaceae, but different genera (Pistacia vs Rhus).
· Both are primarily medicinal.
· Evidence tiers — Pistacia Chinensis: T; Rhus Chinensis: T.