Chinese tallow tree
Sapium sebiferum

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It grows 6 m high. The stem is crooked and often gnarled. The twigs are slender. The leaf blades are 2-8 cm long by 1-7 cm wide. They are broadly oval. The fruit has 3 lobes and are 9 mm long by 11 mm wide. The seeds are 7 mm long by 6 mm wide. They have a white waxy layer around the seeds.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Pakistan it grows near rivers and up to 1,200 m altitude. It can grow in salty soils. It can grow in arid places. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, China, Cuba, East Africa, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Japan, Madagascar, Malawi, Myanmar, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim, Taiwan, Tasmania, USA, Vietnam, West Indies, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

It is sold in local markets in China. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Seeds, seeds - oil, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Arbol de sebo, Hong shu, Payaung

Synonyms

Croton sebiferus L.; Excoecaria sebifera (L.) Muell. Arg.; Triadica sebifera (L.) Small;