| Lithraea molleoides | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus: | Lithraea |
| Species: | L. molleoides |
| Binomial name | |
| Lithraea molleoides | |
Lithraea molleoides (syn.Lithraea molleoidesvar.lorentzianaLillo,Lithraea ternifolia,Schinus brasiliensisMarchand exCabrera,Schinus leucocarpus M.,Schinus molleoides (Vell.)Engler,Lithraea aroeirinha Marchand exWarm.[1]) is a tree (2.5 and 8 m tall) that is native toSouth America, specially inArgentina,Uruguay,Bolivia, andCerrado vegetation ofBrazil.
The plant is commonly considered as unsuitable tolandscaping, as it is apoisonous plant: it produces volatile substances that propagate from touching the leaves, through contact with droplets, or through the tree'spollen. These substances are allergenic[2] and contact with them may produce general allergic sensitivity, skin disease, fever, and visual problems.[3] Planting this tree where it can be accessible to the general public is therefore strongly discouraged.
InUruguay, folk tradition states that people are supposed to salute the tree in a way according to the time of day.[citation needed] For example, if somebody encounters the tree during the day, they are supposed to say "Good night, Mr. (or Mrs.) Aruera". Similarly, if it is during the night, they would say "Good day, Mr. Aruera".