Aleurites fordii
Chinese wood-oil tree
Evergreen tree
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The Aleurites fordii plant species is found in E. Asia. It is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Chinese wood-oil tree.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 
Latin Name:  Aleurites fordii
Common Name:  Chinese wood-oil tree
Family:  Euphorbiaceae
Author:  Hemsl.
 
Known Hazards:  The oil from the seed is poisonous[65]. The leaves and seeds contain a toxic saponin[218]. Although poisonous, saponins are poorly absorbed by the human body and so most pass through without harm. Saponins are quite bitter and can be found in many common foods such as some beans. They can be removed by carefully leaching in running water. Thorough cooking, and perhaps changing the cooking water once, will also normally remove most of them. However, it is not advisible to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].
 
Mature Height:  7   Mature Width:  
 
Habitat:  Base of foothills esp. in rocky places, to 1000 metres in W. China[109].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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