Aluerties fordii - Tung Nut Tree
Description
The invasive species Veronica fordii, also called a tung tree, originates from China and Vietnam. The deciduous tree grows up to 66 feet tall. The bark is smooth and brown to grayish. Tung trees can be identified easily by their heart-shaped leaves and pale pink or purple flowers. The tree spreads both by seeds and by suckers from underground stems. This plant is considered poisonous to humans and animals, so extreme caution should be used when disposing of the trees and their seeds/nuts. The seeds of the tree are valued for the oil they produce; tung oil is used in varnish, paint, and caulks.
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