Neoshirakia (Euphorbiaceae) CWJ12819

sebiferum

Known as the tallow tree for the exceptionally wax covered seed harvested in China. Forming a small well proportioned tree with broadly ovate to rounded leaves, which furnish it with a fiery autumnal display. While at the same time the rather large seed capsules which hang by a thread-like stalk, burst open to reveal the inner waxy seed. Best grown in a sheltered warm site out of freezing winds, in a well drained soil. From one of my seed collections gathered with Finlay Colley near Fukuoka southern Japan in 2010.