In this post we'll discuss the Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera), a "spurge" in the family Euphorbiaceae. Spurge is a funny-sounding word, but is merely an archaic English word related to "purge" or "expurgate," referring to the latex that many spurges, including the Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), contain. Do not mistake the Chinese tallow tree for the Chinaberry tree (Melia azedarach), a member of the mahogany/neem family. If you did so, you would easily be forgiven since they have many similar characteristics:
- Both trees are native to East Asia, although the Chinaberry tree has a much wider distribution from India to China to the Indonesian archipelago.
- Both trees were brought to the American Southeast around two hundred years ago, where they quickly went feral.
- Both trees have some ornamental applications and some productive uses, but these positives are outweighed by the toxicity and sheer weediness of the plants.
The arboretum does not contain Chinaberry trees, as far as we know. We do have volunteer Chinese tallow saplings. They germinated in one of our wild areas and had the opportunity to grow unhindered for more than two years. This past week, the tallest and most conspicuous individuals were removed.
 |
There is a small, overgrown area of the arboretum at the southwest corner of Mickle Hall. It was mowed only once within the past three years.
|
 |
This area slopes down toward the arboretum drainage channel. The groundcover was badly damaged and the topsoil was washed away during the Mickle Hall rennovations that occured in 2011. The groundcover never recovered and consequently the area was progressively eroded, so we decided to stop cutting this area in the hopes that something would take root and keep the soil in place.
|
 |
Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera) was one of many voluteers that unexpectedly took root in this difficult space. In this photo, the Chinese tallow tree has grown up above the surrounding grasses and is leaning toward the sidewalk, stretching for more sunlight.
|
 |
Chinese tallow tree has a very distinctive leaf shape. It looks like a Christmas decoration!
|
 |
The tip of the leaf comes to a point.
|
 |
This is a small bundle of young Chinese tallow trees. They were all removed from the same area. Since there aren't any mature Chinese tallow trees in the arboretum, it would be interesting to know where the nearest mature specimen is located.
|
 |
This is the slender trunk of one sapling. The leaf petioles alternate up the trunk.
|
 |
Chinese tallow leaves are very pretty. A fly photobombed the picture, giving us a great size-comparison photo.
|
External links:
USDA page on Chinese Tallow Tree
LSU AG Center page on Chinese Tallow Tree
LSU AG Center page on Chinaberry Tree
N.C. Cooperative Extension page on Chinese Tallow Tree
