tung-oil tree
Vernicia fordii
(formerly: Aleurites fordii)
  • FAMILY: EUPHORBIACEAE
  • ALTERNATE COMMON NAME:
  • LEAVES: alternate, simple, deciduous; cordate, blades 6-12” long; 2 large red glands at top of petiole
  • FLOWER: white with reddish streaks, 1-2” diameter; emerges with leaves
  • FRUIT: fibrous husk, 2-3” diameter; contains 4-5 seeds
  • TWIGS:
  • BARK:
  • FORM:
  • HABITAT:
  • RANGE: orient originally; naturalized
  • USES: imported for oil extraction from nuts; tung-oil is used in paints and wood finishes
  • Best Recognition Features:
    1. large cordate leaves
    2. two red glands at top of petiole