Thulin, M. (1999) Anacardiaceae in Flora of Somalia 2: 254
Trees or shrubs, dioecious, monoecious, or polygamous, producing gums, resins, or latex. Leaves usually alternate, rarely opposite or whorled, pinnatey compound, 3-foliolate or simple; stipules absent or obscure. Inflorescences branched, often complex. Flowers (3)(5)7-merous, small, radially symmetic, usually unisexual (then often with evident but non-functional parts of other sex); perianth usually present, rarely absent. Sepals usually united at the base, imbricate or valvate. Petals free, imbricate, or valvate. Stamens equalling or twice as many as the petals, rarely more, usually attached in or around an annular disk. Ovary usually superior, 1-4(5) celled; styles 1-4(5), free or united. Fruit a drupe, mesocarp more or less resinous or oily, endocarp woody or leathery, often 1-seeded by abortion. Seed with curved or straigh embryo and scanty or no endosperm.
There are about 60 genera and 600 species in the Anacardiaceae. Most grow in pantropical regions but some grow in temperate regions.
Many species have edible fruits, the best known being mangos (Mangifera indica), cashews (Anacardium occidentale). and pistachios (Pistacia vera). Other species produce useful gums or tannins, Some, particularly the North American poison ivy and poison oak, are notorious for causing contact dermatitis.
