Vernicia
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The genus Vernicia, commonly referred to as Tung or Tung-oil Tree, is a genus in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae, comprising three species, native to eastern and southeastern Asia.[1][2]
They are shrubs or trees growing to 20 m tall. The leaves are alternate, broad, entire to palmately lobed; they may be either deciduous or evergreen. The flowers may be either monoecious or dioecious.[2]
- Species
- Vernicia cordata (Thunb.) Airy Shaw. Southern Japan.
- Vernicia fordii (Hemsl.) Airy Shaw. Southern China, Burma, northern Vietnam.
- Vernicia montana Lour. Southern China, Indo-China.
The species have often been included within the related genus Aleurites. Other synonyms include Ambinux Comm. ex Juss., Dryandra Thunb., and Elaeococca Comm. ex Juss..
[edit] Cultivation and uses
All three species are cultivated for the oil in their nuts, used in the manufacture of linoleum, paint, varnish, etc.[2]
