Tung Tree, Tung Nut

Vernicia fordii

Physical Characteristics

Vernicia fordii is an evergreen Tree growing to 7 m (23ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant is not wind tolerant.

Distribution

E. Asia - Central and Western China, Myanmar, Vietnam.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: 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 Parasiticide Skin 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 ].(All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested )