Candleberry-tree, Chinese tallowtree, Popcorntree, Vegetable tallow, White wax-berry
Triadica sebifera

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

A tree which loses its leaves. It grows 6-9 m high and spreads 4.5-6 m wide. It has a rounded crown. The leaves are 5-10 cm long. They are rounded or almost diamond shaped and dull green. The leaves turn orange or red in autumn. The flowers are yellow-green. The fruit are about the size of peas. The fruit splits open to reveal 3 seeds. These are covered with a layer of pure wax. The seeds are 6 mm across.

There are 3 Triadica species. The oil is used in medicine and for soap.

Where it is found

It grows in forests on limestone below 100 m above sea level in China. It suits hardiness zones 8-11. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia (country/location of origin), Australia, Britain, Caucasus, China, Europe, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, North America, SE Asia, Taiwan, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The seed oil can be used in food after refining. The seed flour can also be converted by refining into flour fit for eating. The outer waxy covering of the seed has been used as a substitute for lard or cacao butter

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Seeds - oil, fruit, caution

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Sapium sebiferum; Croton sebiferum L.; Stillingia sebifera (L.) Michx.;