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Smodingium argutum E. Mey. ex Sond., closely related to the American poison-ivy,  Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze, is the only known indigenous member of the Anacardiaceae in South Africa causing dermatitis. The sap of the intercellular secretory canals of the stem, petiole and leaf of both plants, is responsible for this toxicity. These secretary canals are described, illustrated and compared for both species, and their formation and the function of the canals and sap, are briefly discussed.