Tung oil tree

Vernicia fordii

I was first introduced to Vernicia fordii (formerly Aleurites fordii) through one of the products made from the plant, long before I met the plant in person. As a young child, I watched far too many episodes of Public Television’s Woodwright’s Shop. The host, Roy Underhill made it seem simple to make one’s own furniture, it was easy for me to delude myself that I had a modicum of talent in this area.

Before I came to my senses, I became quite familiar with the joy of rubbing down wood with Tung oil, while channeling my inner Mr. Miyagi. I spent hours of brush on, sand off, brush on, sand off, finally realizing that working with dead wood wasn’t my strong suite, but I never forgot Tung oil.

Tung oil isn’t a new product, having been used in Chinese cultures for over 2000 years, both as a printing ink as well as a waterproof sealer for early wood boats. Tung oil is produced from the pressing the oils from the fruit of the Tung tree.

During World War II, the Chinese even discovered a way to produce motor fuels from Tung oil, although at the time, the process wasn’t time or economically feasible. Today, Tung oil is prized for its wet-look finish and water-resistant durability when applied to both wood and granite countertops.

In the years since, the demand for Tung oil has fluctuated. You’ll find abandoned Tung oil plantations throughout the US gulf coast where scientists and land owners speculated on the Tung oil market. Unfortunately repeated hurricanes kept the industry from expanding, so today, over 80% of the Tung oil still comes from China.

Years later, when I began looking for interesting trees for my new garden, I remembered Tung oil and thought it would be interesting to try growing my own. I finally located seed, and although they all germinated and grew well after planting, they also died over winter. More research helped me understand why I failed…the trees were native to tropical and subtropical areas of Southern China, Burma, and Vietnam.

I had given up on ever growing Tung oil, until I was chatting with Bolivia NC plantsman Frank Galloway, who told me of a tree at the New Hanover County Arboretum that had survived 0 degrees F with no damage. Frank is a keen plantsman, so although still skeptical, I planted the handful of seed he shared. Up they sprouted, and by 2001, my plant was large enough to go into the ground.

Fourteen years, later, we enjoy our amazing 30’ tall specimen that’s been untouched by any of our recent cold winters. I love so many things about our Tung oil tree, it’s hard to know where to start. The branch architecture is very angular…somewhat reminiscent of a Chinese parasol tree. Starting in early May, the large, glossy, tropical-looking, heart-shaped leaves emerge and clothe the upper branches. The word Tung is Chinese for “heart”, describing the leaf shape. Before the leaves emerge, however, the bare stems are topped by clusters of large peachy- orange, deliciously fragrant flowers that remind me of a plumeria (Hawaiian lei flowers). A full-size Tung oil tree in full flower is an amazing sight.

– Tony Avent