This deciduous tree has a smooth greyish trunk with spreading branches that form a dense rounded crown. It has dark green heart-shaped leaves and the pale pink funnel-shaped male and female flowers appear in spring in a cluster followed by rounded fruit.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10

Vernicia fordii is naturally found from southern China to north Vietnam growing in forests from sea level to an altitude of 1,200 m (3,937 ft). It prefers a open sunny position and grows in well drained organic rich moist soil that is tending acidic with a pH 5.6-6.5 and is frost and drought tender.

Tung Oil is grown for its seeds and for its spreading crown. It is planted in parks and gardens as a lawn specimen or along borders for screening. It is commonly grown in the sub-tropics and is suitable for coastal or low-mountain regions. This tree is also grown commercially in orchards for its seeds from which oil is extracted for a variety of uses that include varnishing furniture, oiling paper or lighting purposes and the thicker dark variety is used in putty, paint and in linoleum. ID 3766

Vernicia (ver-NIK-ee-uh) fordii (FOR-dee-eye)

Note:
This plant is regarded as a weed in many regions as it can self-sow readily and care should be taken when selecting a planting site. The Tung oil tree invades disturbed soil, urban green spaces and forest margins.

Euphorbiaceae (yoo-for-bee-AY-see-ee)
Spurge Family