Vernicia

Vernicia is a small genus of flowering plants in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). Native to East Asia, the genus includes several species of deciduous trees and shrubs, the best known being Vernicia fordii, commonly called the Chinese tung oil tree, and Vernicia montana. These species produce seeds that yield tung oil, a drying oil valued for protective coatings.

Tung oil derived from Vernicia seeds polymerizes to form a hard, water-resistant film. It has long been used in varnishes, paints, and wood finishes, and can be blended with other drying oils and resins in traditional and modern coatings. The oil content and drying properties make Vernicia species economically important in some regions.

Ecology and cultivation: Vernicia species prefer warm climates with well-drained soils. They are typically propagated from seed and can be grown as ornamental trees or for oilseed production in suitable agroforestry or plantation settings. In some areas outside their native range, they have been introduced for cultivation or horticultural purposes.

Notes and characteristics: Like many members of Euphorbiaceae, Vernicia plants may exude latex when damaged, and handling can cause irritation for some individuals. The genus represents a limited but notable source of long-standing industrial oil, with Vernicia fordii being the species most closely associated with tung oil production.