Contents
Description
Vernicia Fordii, also known as the tung tree, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It can grow up to 10 meters tall and 15 meters wide, with a rounded or spreading crown. The tree is native to southern China and is widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including the United States, South America, and Africa.The tung tree is valued for its seeds, which contain a high percentage of oil that is used in the production of varnishes, paints, and other products. The tree is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Vernicia |
Appearance
The leaves of the tung tree are large, glossy, and oval-shaped, with serrated edges. They can grow up to 30 centimeters long and are arranged alternately on the branches. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and appear in clusters in the spring. The fruit of the tung tree is a round or oval-shaped capsule that contains three seeds. The seeds are about 3 centimeters long and are covered with a hard, smooth shell.
Care Guide
To care for a tung tree, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and protection from extreme temperatures.- Water: The tung tree requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: The tree should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and fall.- Soil: The tung tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The tree requires full sun to thrive.- Hardiness Zones: The tung tree is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The tung tree is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including:- Tung tree scale: This insect can cause yellowing and premature dropping of leaves.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause white or gray powdery growth on the leaves.- Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves.- Root rot: This disease can cause the roots to rot and the tree to die.
Habitat
The tung tree is native to southern China, where it grows in subtropical and tropical regions. It is widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including the United States, South America, and Africa. The tree prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the tung tree used for?
A: The tung tree is valued for its seeds, which contain a high percentage of oil that is used in the production of varnishes, paints, and other products.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases of the tung tree?
A: The common pests and diseases of the tung tree include tung tree scale, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, and root rot.
Q: Where is the tung tree native to?
A: The tung tree is native to southern China.
Q: What are the care requirements for a tung tree?
A: The tung tree requires regular watering, fertilization, well-drained soil, full sun, and protection from extreme temperatures.
Related Plants
– Ricinus communis (Castor bean)- Jatropha curcas (Physic nut)- Hevea brasiliensis (Rubber tree)
References
– “Vernicia fordii.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 12, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=z400.- “Tung Oil Tree.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed August 12, 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/ST/ST19600.pdf.- “Vernicia.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Accessed August 12, 2021. http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=214267.
