Scumpia

Scumpia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Anacardiaceae, which also includes cashews, mangoes, and pistachios. The genus contains only a few species, most notably Scumpia chinensis and Scumpia coggygria. These species are deciduous shrubs or small trees known for their striking foliage, especially in the autumn.

Scumpia coggygria, also commonly known as smoke tree, smoke bush, or velvet sumac, is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. Its common names refer to the fluffy, plume-like infructescences (clusters of fruits) that appear after flowering, resembling puffs of smoke. This characteristic makes it a popular choice for landscaping and ornamental gardening.

The leaves of Scumpia species are typically simple, alternate, and ovate to obovate in shape. Autumn foliage color can range from vibrant reds and oranges to yellows, depending on the species and cultivar.

Scumpia chinensis is found in Asia and has similar characteristics to Scumpia coggygria, although there are distinctions in leaf shape and inflorescence structure. It is also used in traditional medicine in some regions.

The wood of Scumpia species has some limited uses, although the plants are primarily valued for their ornamental qualities. Propagation is usually done by seed or cuttings.