Abrasin oil tree

Vernicia montana

Physical Characteristics

Vernicia montana is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Butterflies. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - southern China, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Edible Uses: Oil None known

Medicinal Uses

Parasiticide Purgative Skin The oil is used to treat parasitic and other skin diseases and is a strong purgative[299 ]. It is a component of nearly all Chinese plasters[299 ]. The oil contains eleostearic acid, which is a virulent purgative when taken internally[299 ]. Other components of the fruits include tannins, phytosterols and a poisonous saponin[299 ].

Known Hazards

The whole plant is poisonous. Animals, including cattle, horses and chicken that have eaten the leaves or seed cake show haemorrhagic diarrhoea accompanied by anorexia. In severe cases, they become emaciated and may die in 1 - 3 weeks[299 ]. The fruits are attractive in appearance and taste, but ingestion by humans of even a single seed causes severe abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea and general exhaustion after 3 - 5 hours[299 ].