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Triadica Sebifera

Triadica Sebifera

Description

Triadica Sebifera, commonly known as Chinese tallow tree or popcorn tree, is a deciduous tree native to eastern Asia. It belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and can grow up to 60 feet tall with a spread of 30-40 feet. The tree is known for its ornamental beauty and its ability to produce tallow, a waxy substance used in soap-making, candles, and biodiesel.

Taxonomic Information

Domain Eukaryota
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Tracheophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Order Malpighiales
Family Euphorbiaceae
Genus Triadica

Appearance

Triadica Sebifera has a round to oval-shaped crown with a straight trunk and smooth gray bark. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and have three lobes with serrated edges. In the fall, the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in the spring, which are followed by clusters of fruit that resemble popcorn. The fruit is a three-lobed capsule that contains three seeds coated in a white, waxy substance.

Care Guide

Water: Triadica Sebifera prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. Water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.Soil: The tree can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils.Sunlight: Triadica Sebifera prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Triadica Sebifera is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly drained soil. The tree can also attract scale insects, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.

Habitat

Triadica Sebifera is native to eastern Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. It has been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States, where it is considered an invasive species in some areas. The tree grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and disturbed areas.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Triadica Sebifera poisonous? A: While the tree itself is not poisonous, the seeds contain a toxic substance called triacylglycerol that can cause digestive upset if ingested.Q: Can Triadica Sebifera be grown in containers? A: Yes, the tree can be grown in containers, but it may not reach its full potential size.Q: How fast does Triadica Sebifera grow? A: The tree can grow up to 3 feet per year under ideal growing conditions.Q: How long does Triadica Sebifera live? A: The tree can live up to 50 years or more.

Related Plants

  • Triadica cochinchinensis
  • Triadica sebifera var. sebifera
  • Triadica sebifera var. perotensis

References

  • “Chinese Tallow Tree.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281858. Accessed 15 Oct. 2021.
  • “Triadica sebifera.” PlantNET – NSW Flora Online, plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Triadica~sebifera. Accessed 15 Oct. 2021.
  • “Chinese Tallow Trees.” Texas Invasives, www.texasinvasives.org/plant_database/detail.php?symbol=TRSE3. Accessed 15 Oct. 2021.

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