ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information on the uses, folk medicine, chemistry, germplasm, distribution, ecology, cultivation, harvesting, yields, energy, and biotic factors of Wood-Oil Tree. Kernels yield a valuable drying oil, largely used in paints, varnishes, and linoleums. Varnish made from this plant possess a high degree of water-resistance, gloss, and durability. Oil consists chiefly of glycerides of beta-elaeostearic and oleic acids, and probably a little linoleic acid. Oil cake residue is poisonous and is only fit for manuring. Trees are propagated from seeds or by budding. According to Spurling and Spurling, N is the most important nutrient for tung in Malawi, irrespective of climate or soil. When growth starts in spring, soil is pulled back and each stock cut back to within 3.5 cm of the dormant bud. The percentage of kernels in the seeds is about 56%, and of oil in the kernels, about 59.3%.
