Vernicia fordii (Hemsl.) Airy Shaw

Tung Oil Tree; China Wood Oil Tree; Kalo Nut Tree

Tree

Perennial

Vascular

Tung Oil Tree is an introduced deciduous tree in the Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). It is native to southern China, Myanmar, and Vietnam. In Alabama it is found primarily in the southern half of the state. Tung Oil Tree occurs in abandoned plantations, along fence rows and roadsides, around old home sites, and in disturbed woodlands. It is a small tree reaching 30-60 feet in height. The bark is smooth and green or grayish green in color. All parts of the plant exude a white latex when injured. The leaves are alternate, petiolate, ovate to cordate in outline, entire or shallowly three lobed, and sparsely pubescent on both surfaces with appressed hairs. There are two large conspicuous reddish glands at the base of the leaf blade on the petiole. The leaves turn yellow before falling in the autumn. Showy flowers are produced with the leaves in a terminal branched inflorescence. Individual flowers are either male or female with the male flowers surrounding the central female flowers. Each flower has 2 green or reddish sepals and 5 white or pink petals with darker veins. The fruit is a globose capsule that partially splits into wedge shaped segments, each containing a single large seed. All parts of the plant are toxic if consumed. Tung Oil Tree is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas in oil plantations. The oil is extracted from the seed and can be burned in lamps, used in paint, varnish, caulk, and as a wood finish. David Fairchild of the Department of Agriculture promoted its use in the United States, and commercial plantations were established along the Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas beginning in the 1920’s. A series of hurricanes and late cold snaps along with lower priced imports from over seas led to the collapse of the industry in the United States. Tung Oil Tree is listed as an invasive species in Florida and Alabama.—A. Diamond

**

Not Native

**