Sapium (Euphorbiaceae) CWJ12819

sebiferum see Neoshirakia

Known as the Chinese tallow tree as the waxy coating of the seed is used in the making of candles and soap in China. Which is why we were surprised to find this growing in Fukuoka Japan in the autumn of 2010 with Finlay Colley. Only forming small trees there 6-7m tall with broadly ovate to rhomboid slender tipped leaves to 12.5cm long. Of a papery texture, a magnificent bright red colour at that time of the year. While the yellow flowers are borne in dense catkin-like spikes followed by tough woody capsules which split open when ripe revealing the white wax covered seed within. Best grown in full sun in a well drained fertile soil, sheltered from freezing winds. Syn. Triadica