Aleurites fordii
Aleurites fordiifam. Euphorbiaceae
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Pl. 06EE — Aleurites fordii
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IOverview
Overview
Aleurites fordii, commonly known as the Chinese mahogany or oil tree, is a tree native to China's central and southern regions, Hainan, Myanmar, and Vietnam. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil that is light (sandy) to medium in texture. It can grow up to 7 meters tall and is hardy in zones 8-10. Known for its edible seeds, which are rich in oil, this tree also serves as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance. One distinctive feature of Aleurites fordii is its ability to adapt to various light conditions while maintaining a robust growth habit.
Quick answers
What is Aleurites fordii?
Aleurites fordii, commonly known as the Chinese mahogany or oil tree, is a tree native to China's central and southern regions, Hainan, Myanmar, and Vietnam. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil that is light (sandy) to medium in texture.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Aleurites fordii thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium in texture. This tree grows up to 7 meters tall and is hardy in zones 8-10. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Propagation can be done through seeds.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
8-10
Habit
Tree
Mature size
7.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Aleurites fordii for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple planting of Aleurites fordii in a sunny spot, and you'll be on your way to a rewarding gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Aleurites fordii sapling, well-draining soil, and a large container or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed, ensuring warm days ahead.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use light, sandy soil with good drainage. Ensure containers have adequate holes for water to escape.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a young sapling into your prepared garden bed or container, ensuring the root ball is intact.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Place in partial shade during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun once established and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune lightly to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune branches as needed for shaping, but avoid heavy cutting that could stress the tree.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Pest controloil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 22 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 22 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 6 native· 22 introduced
Asia7 regions
native (3)ChinaMyanmarVietnam
introduced (4)GeorgiaSouth KoreaTaiwanThailand
Americas2 regions
introduced (2)ParaguayPuerto Rico
Africa2 regions
introduced (2)MozambiqueZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Hainan
introduced:Leeward Is., Louisiana, Mississippi, New South Wales, North Carolina, Alabama, Texas, Trinidad-Tobago, South Carolina, Argentina Northeast, Arkansas, California, East Himalaya, Florida
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Euphorbiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Euphorbiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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