Tung Tree - Vernicia fordii
Tung is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree growing to 15m tall, with a spreading crown.
The fruit is apple sized, hard, green initially, turning green to purple and dull brown when ripe,
containing usually 4 or 5 large oily seeds 2 to 3 cm long with a hard outer shell.
The nuts yield about twenty percent oil.

Tung trees are very exacting in climatic and soil requirements.
Major growing areas include China, Argentina, Paraguay and Thailand.
Tung trees are usually in commercial production by the fourth or fifth year,
attaining maximum production in 10-12 years. Average tree life is 30 years.
Under favourable conditions an acre of Tung trees will produce about
two tons of nuts and one hundred gallons of raw Tung Oil annually.
The description on this page is based on information copied from various sources.
This photograph is reproduced with permission from the LSU AgCenter, Dr. Richard Keim, Assistant Professor, Louisiana State University School of Renewable Natual Resources
Original photo courtesy of Rob http://01f3666.netsolhost.com /roblog/ with additional editing
Photo courtesy of Rob http://01f3666.netsolhost.com/roblog/
This photograph is reproduced with permission from the LSU AgCenter, Dr. Richard Keim, Assistant Professor, Louisiana State University School of Renewable Natual Resources
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Photograph Flickr Creative Commons licence - attrib Tatters
Photograph Flickr Creative Commons licence - attrib Tatters
Photograph Flickr Creative Commons licence - attrib Tatters
Photograph Flickr Creative Commons licence - attrib Tatters