Tung Oil Tree

Vernicia fordii (Hemsl.) Airy-Shaw

ver-NISS-ee-ah  FORD-ee-aye

Euphorbiaceae

Explanation of name:  Vernix is varnish. Named for C. Ford, former superintendent of the botanic garden at Hong Kong (BA2)

Natural range: Central Asia

Synonym:  Aleurites fordii Hemsl.  http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=242354016

Recognition: A tree with milky sap and variable leaves ranging in shape from egg-shaped to heart-shaped or 3-lobed on long narrow stalks. The leaves are usually pubescent, although the hairs can disappear with time. There are two glands (visible as small bumps) where the leaf stalk (petiole) joins the blade. The flowers are white and/or reddish with petals an inch long. The fruit is more or less globe-shaped or top-shaped, 2”-3” in diameter (BA2, PBCC). The related Candlenut Tree (Vernicia moluccana Willd.) is similar, including the petiole glands, but has star-shaped hairs under its leaves. This species produces a combustible oil in its seeds. Also related and similar, the Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum L.) Roxb. likewise has paired glands on the top of its petiole and milky sap; its leaves are hairless and usually more or less rhombic (looking like Poplar leaves).

Key to the Oil-Bearing Trees in the Euphorbiaceae

All with milky sap and paired glands at top of petiole:

1. Leaves hairless…Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum)

1. Leaves pubescent (may become glabrous with age)…2

2. Leaf hairs stellate (star-shaped)…Candlenut Tree (Vernicia moluccana)

2. Leaf hairs simple…Tung Oil Tree (Vernicia fordii)

Landscape uses:  This invasive species is not recommended. The oil and plant parts are toxic.

Internet source: http://www.nsl.fs.fed.us/wpsm/Vernicia.pdf

Additional note: Tung Oil from the seeds is valued for wood finishing.