Scientific Name
Aleurites fordii
Common Name
Tung oil tree, tung nut

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Euphorbiaceae
Plant Description
Deciduous tree; leaves alternate, simple, long-stalked, heart-shaped; flowers pale pink to white, with 5-7 petals, in large clusters; fruits large, globular, with 3-7 seeds.
Origin
China
Where Found
Landscape as cultivated ornamental small tree.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
All parts, but mainly the seeds.
Symptoms
Severe stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, slowed breathing, and poor reflexes; may be fatal.
Toxic Principle
Glycoside and phytotoxin.
Severity
HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology, and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences, North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming Miguel A. Buendia; graphics Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact thePoison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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