Tung Oil Tree, Chinese wood oil tree
Vernicia fordii

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

An evergreen tree which grows to 7 m high. It spreads to 3 m across. The stem is erect and stout. The leaves are light green and heart shaped. They have 3 lobes and are pointed at the tip. Leaves are 25 cm long and are often arranged in whorls or layers. The flowers occur in long sprays and are pink. These flower sprays are 10-15 cm long. The fruit are thick shelled nuts. They are round and greenish brown. Fruit are 6-7 cm across.

The tree is grown for Tung oil a drying oil used in paints. The oil is not used for edible purposes as it is laxative. There are 2-5 Aleurites species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows naturally at the base of foothills especially in rocky places up to 1000 metres in Western China. Plants can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. It tolerates a pH in the range 5.3 to 7.3. It requires rich well drained soil. In needs an open sunny position. It is drought and frost tender. The need a minimum temperature above 5°C. In Argentina it grows below 200 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 8-11. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Central America, China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Haiti, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Korea, Laos, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar, North America, Pacific, Paraguay, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Southern Africa, South America, USA, Vietnam, West Indies, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

CAUTION The seed contain saponins which are poisonous but are poorly absorbed by the body. Such plants should not be eaten in large amounts. The seed are reported as being eaten.

It is not known if it is used for food in Papua New Guinea.

Edible parts

Seeds, poisonous

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings of mature wood.

Its other names

Local names

Oil Tong, Youtong

Synonyms

Aleurites fordii Hemsl.;