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Description
Glandora Oleifolia, also known as the Chinese Tallow Tree, is a deciduous tree native to eastern Asia. This tree is commonly cultivated for its ornamental foliage and seeds which are used to produce a vegetable oil. The tree can grow up to 60 feet tall and has a spread of 35 feet. Its leaves are oval-shaped and have a glossy, dark green color. The tree produces small white flowers in the summer, followed by green fruit that matures into three-lobed capsules containing seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Glandora |
Appearance
Glandora Oleifolia is a large, deciduous tree with an upright growth habit. It has a smooth, gray-brown bark that becomes fissured as the tree ages. Its leaves are oval-shaped, glossy, and dark green, measuring up to 6 inches long and 4 inches wide. The tree produces small white flowers in the summer, followed by green fruit that matures into three-lobed capsules containing seeds. The seeds are surrounded by a white, waxy substance that is used to produce a vegetable oil.
Care Guide
To care for Glandora Oleifolia, it is important to provide it with the right conditions. Here are some tips:Water: This tree requires regular watering, especially during the first few years of growth. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.Soil: Glandora Oleifolia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: This tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Glandora Oleifolia is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Glandora Oleifolia is generally a healthy tree, but it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some common ones to watch out for:Pests: The Chinese Tallow Tree can be attacked by aphids, scales, and spider mites.Diseases: This tree can be susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildew, and canker.
Habitat
Glandora Oleifolia is native to eastern Asia, where it grows in open woods and along streams. It has been introduced to other parts of the world as an ornamental tree and for its oil-producing seeds. It can tolerate a range of soil types and can grow in both wet and dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Glandora Oleifolia grow in shade?
A: This tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Q: What is the waxy coating on Glandora Oleifolia’s seeds used for?
A: The white, waxy substance surrounding the seeds is used to produce a vegetable oil.Q: How tall can Glandora Oleifolia grow?
A: This tree can grow up to 60 feet tall.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Glandora Oleifolia?
A: Glandora Oleifolia is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Glandora Oleifolia:- Jatropha curcas- Ricinus communis- Croton tiglium- Euphorbia lathyris
References
– “Glandora oleifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 24, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=293879&isprofile=0&.- “Chinese Tallow.” Texas A&M Forest Service. Accessed August 24, 2021. https://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/the-texas-tree-selector/plant-details/chinese-tallow/.
