Vernicia montana Seeds | Mu Oil Tree
LATIN NAME: Vernicia montana
COMMON NAME: Mu Oil Tree
Plant Profile
Mu Oil Tree (Vernicia montana) is a tree in the spurge family, native to warm regions of southeastern Asia, while it is grown for its fine, fast growth. Given room and time, it reaches roughly Fifteen metres. Gardeners value it precisely for this blend of qualities.
Science & Biotechnology
Vernicia montana sits in the spurge family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. Mu oil tree has a real and distinguished place in the research. Gardeners benefit directly from its long cultivation: what the plant will do in a garden is well understood.
Uses & Benefits
Mu Oil Tree works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Ecologically, mu oil tree is a generous tree of the garden. Its small, white or pinkish flowers feed bees and many insects, and its fine, broad, leafy crown gives a fine cover and a shelter to birds through the season. Hard, oily seeds are processed only by skilled makers of region and are not for casual eating. Once it has settled, the workload drops to almost nothing.
The tung tree yields tung oil, the legendary waterproof finish of wooden boats and fine furniture; the seeds are toxic and purely industrial.
Growing from Seed
Mu Oil Tree is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in bright light. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Mu Oil Tree settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Among the Vernicia group, it is one of the more distinctive species in cultivation. Its wants are few — a sunny spot, soil that drains, and time to settle in.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Mu Oil Tree often pair it with these related subjects: