Chinese Tallow

Description:

Triadica sebifera, also known as Sapium sebiferum, is commonly known as the Chinese tallow tree, Florida aspen, chicken tree, gray popcorn tree, and candleberry tree. Fruits are three-lobed, three-valved capsules. As the capsules mature, their color changes from green to a brown-black. The capsule walls fall away and release three globose seeds with a white, tallow-containing covering. Seeds usually hang on the plants for several weeks. This spotting shows the white seeds.

Habitat:

The tree is native to eastern Asia, and is most commonly associated with eastern China, Taiwan, and Japan. It is an invasive species throughout the southern United States. This one was photographed at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park near Augusta (Richmond County), GA.

Notes:

The waxy coating of the seeds is used for candle and soap making, and the leaves are used as herbal medicine to treat boils. Herbivores and insects have a conditioned behavioral avoidance to eating the leaves of Chinese tallow tree, and this, rather than plant toxins, may be a reason for the success of the plant as an invasive. The nectar is non-toxic, and it has become a major honey plant for beekeepers. The honey is of high quality, and is produced copiously during the month of June, on the Gulf Coast. In the Gulf coast states, beekeepers migrate with their honey bees to good tallow locations near the sea.