Aleurites fordii

Tung oil tree or China wood oil tree is a small, milky-juiced, monoecious, deciduous tree with a rounded crown that is native to moist forested areas and rainforest in subtropical China. This tree has been commercially grown in Florida for tung oil which is produced from the seeds for a variety of purposes including usage in paints, varnishes and wood finishes. Tung oil production has slowed considerably today as synthetic resins take the place of this oil, resulting in the abandonment of many of the Florida groves. In areas where it is winter hardy, this tree has excellent ornamental features... more »

Tung oil tree or China wood oil tree is a small, milky-juiced, monoecious, deciduous tree with a rounded crown that is native to moist forested areas and rainforest in subtropical China. This tree has been commercially grown in Florida for tung oil which is produced from the seeds for a variety of purposes including usage in paints, varnishes and wood finishes. Tung oil production has slowed considerably today as synthetic resins take the place of this oil, resulting in the abandonment of many of the Florida groves. In areas where it is winter hardy, this tree has excellent ornamental features, providing early spring flowers before the foliage, large leaves and often good summer shade. It typically grows to 15-25 tall and 10-15 wide, though some trees may occasionally grow to 40 tall. Pointed, ovate-cordate, light green leaves (to 10î long) on long stalks with red glands at the top of each petiole. Leaves are unlobed or 3-5 lobed. Large terminal clusters (lax cymes) of 5-7 petaled, catalpa-like, reddish-white flowers (each to 1î) appear in spring. Female flowers are followed by rounded, dark green fruits (2-3î diameter), with each fruit typically containing 4-5 seeds. Fruits ripen to brown in fall. Aleuron in Greek means with flour in reference to the white flour-like dusting present on juvenile leaves. Soot from burned tung oil is a main ingredient (lampblack) in India ink. (less)