(commonly known as African sumac). Closely related to poison ivy, all parts of this tree contain low levels of a highly irritating oil with urushiol. Skin reactions can include blisters and rashes. It spreads readily to clothes and back again, and has a very long life. Infections can follow scratching. As urushiol is not a poison but an allergen, it will not affect certain people. The smoke of burning Rhus lancia can cause reactions in the lungs, and can be fatal.