Tung Tree, Tung Oil Tree, Wood Oil Tree China

Aleurites fordii

Physical Characteristics

Aleurites fordii is an evergreen Tree growing to 7 m (23ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in March, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Central and Western China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Dappled Shade; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Seed[105]. There are no more details but the report should be treated with caution since the oil from the seed is said to be poisonous[65].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antiphlogistic Emetic Vermifuge The oil from the seed is used externally to treat parasitic skin diseases, burns, scalds and wounds[218]. The poisonous oil is said to penetrate the skin and into the muscles, when applied to surgical wounds it will cause inflammation to subside within 4 - 5 days and will leave no scar tissue after suppressing the infection[218]. The plant is emetic, antiphlogistic and vermifuge[147, 218]. Extracts from the fruit are antibacterial[218].

Known Hazards

The oil from the seed is poisonous[65]. The leaves and seeds contain a toxic saponin[218]. Although poisonous, saponins are poorly absorbed by the human body and so most pass through without harm. Saponins are quite bitter and can be found in many common foods such as some beans. They can be removed by carefully leaching in running water. Thorough cooking, and perhaps changing the cooking water once, will also normally remove most of them. However, it is not advisable to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].