Tung tree
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| Vernicia fordii (Hemsl.) Airy Shaw |
The Tung tree (Vernicia fordii) is a deciduous tree in the spurge family. It is known by many names in its native China, 油桐 (lit. oil tung) being the formal name, while others (桐油樹、光桐、三年桐、百年桐、桐子樹) are common names. The tung tree is valued for tung oil, which is derived from the seeds of the tree. It has been introduced to Argentina, Paraguay, and the United States for cultivation.
Tung oil, also called China wood oil or nut oil, has traditionally been used in lamps in China. In modern times, it is used as an ingredient in paint, varnish, and caulk. It is also used as a wood finish for furniture and other wooden objects.
[edit] Cultivation in the U.S.
Just prior World War I, a number of seeds received from the U.S. Ambassador to China were planted in California, but the young trees could not take hold in the dry climate. Tung-nut orchards started in the 1930's in the Gulf coast region (mostly south Mississippi) were more successful, and a new profitable industry thrived in the area's ideal growing conditions. But many of the trees were wiped out by Hurricane Camille in 1969, and the plantations never recovered. Wild descendants can still be occasionally spotted along roadsides and interstates, and may have become naturalized to the area.
