Triadica sebifera

Chinese tallow

Triadica sebifera, commonly known as the sebifer or sebifera tree, is a tropical evergreen prized for its medicinal and industrial properties. Native to the Caribbean and Central America, its oil-rich seeds are utilized in traditional remedies and skincare, offering significant bioactive potential for treating various inflammatory skin conditions.

  • Scientific name: Triadica sebifera
  • Family: Euphorbiaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Triadica sebifera, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is further classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae within the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae and is categorized under the genus Triadica.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Euphorbiaceae WCVP
Genus Triadica WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Triadica sebifera, is recognized by various common names depending on the region and language. In Chinese contexts, it is referred to as 乌桕 (zh-hans), 烏桕 (zh-hant), and 烏桕 (zh-hk). In Portuguese, it is called Sapium sebiferum, and in German, it is known as Chinesischer Talgbaum.
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 乌桕 Wikidata
zh-hant 烏桕 Wikidata
zh-hk 烏桕 Wikidata
pt Sapium sebiferum Wikidata
de Chinesischer Talgbaum Wikidata
ja ナンキンハゼ Wikidata
pl Drzewo łojowe Wikidata
ru Сальное дерево Wikidata
zh 烏桕 Wikidata
fa تریادیکا سبیفرا Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical presence across several key regions in East Asia. Within China, its distribution is widespread, covering the South-Central, North-Central, and Southeast areas. Furthermore, the species can be found specifically on the island of Hainan. Beyond the mainland, its range extends into the neighboring territory of Japan. Together, these locations define the specific ecological footprint of Triadica sebifera.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China Hainan WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP
Indian Subcontinent East Himalaya WCVP
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP
Indian Subcontinent West Himalaya WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Triadica sebifera (commonly called the Chinese tallow tree), possesses various components that are utilized for their distinct properties. The leaves are often studied for their bioactive compounds and are sometimes used in traditional applications due to their specific chemical makeup. Furthermore, the plant is characterized by its production of saps and oils, particularly derived from its seeds and tissues, which have historically been processed for various medicinal and industrial purposes.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
4
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 3 ★★☆☆☆
saps/latex 1 ★☆☆☆☆