Japan Wood Oil
Aleurites cordatus

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

A small evergreen tree. It grows 6-9 m tall. The leaves are oval to heart shaped and very thin and glossy. The leaves can have 3 lobes at the tip. The flowers are white and in panicles. The fruit are fleshy and 25 mm across. Correct name is now probably Vernicia cordata.

There are 2-5 Aleurites species. The oil of this one is burnt in lamps.

Where it is found

It grows in cool climates. It is best in rich, moist well-drained soil. It is damaged by drought and frost. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, India, Japan (country/location of origin), Myanmar, SE Asia

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Vernicia cordata (Thunb.) Airy Shaw;