Sapium sebiferum (L.) Roxb.
Half hardy small tree, similar to a Poplar, with pointed, ovate leaves, often turning brilliant red in autumn, and slender racemes of greenish-yellow flowers. The waxy coat of the seeds is used to make candles in China. To 12m. [RHSD, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
Introduced to Britain in 1703. [JD]. ‘Is now very common about Calcutta, where, in the course of a few years it is become one of the most common trees. It is in flower and fruit most part of the year. […] In Bengal it is only considered as an ornamental tree; the sebaceous produce of its seeds is not in sufficient quantity, nor its qualities so valuable as to render it an object worthy of cultivation. Cocoa-nut oil is better for the lamp, and it is only during very cool weather that this substance becomes firm; at all other times it is in a thick, brownish, fluid state, and soon becomes rancid. Such is my opinion of the famous vegetable tallow of China.’ [Roxburgh FI vol.3 p.693/1832].
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [T.949/1843].
Notes
Published Feb 20, 2010 - 02:48 PM | Last updated Jul 18, 2010 - 03:37 PM
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | China |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Chinese tallow tree, Vegetable tallow tree |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Stillingia sebifera - Chinese tallow tree |
| Confidence level | high |