Sapium discolorMountain Tallow Tree

Autumn colour is rare in the subtropics, which is why Sapium discolor is planted so widely across southern China. The ovate leaves are pale and glaucous beneath, and before falling they turn a strong scarlet and orange that holds for several weeks.

It is a fast, adaptable deciduous tree of 8 to 15 metres with an open spreading crown, tolerant of poor and acidic soils, and it carries a milky sap that should be noted where it is planted close to public circulation.

Specifications

• Height8 to 15 metres, occasionally to 20 metres
• Width6 to 10 metres
• Native toSouthern China, India, Indochina and Southeast Asia
• FoliageOvate leaves, glaucous white beneath, turning brilliant scarlet and orange before falling; deciduous
• Growth rateFast

Conditions

• SoilTolerates a wide range including poor, acidic and stony soils; needs free drainage
• LightFull sun
• WaterModerate; drought-tolerant once established
• ClimateThrives in subtropical and tropical regions with a cool or dry season

Additional Features

• FlowersSlender yellowish-green spikes in spring, followed by small three-lobed capsules
• UsesStreet and avenue planting, park canopy, and autumn colour groupings
• SpacingPlant 6 to 8 metres apart for a continuous street canopy
• Low MaintenanceFormative pruning to lift the crown, then little attention
• Pest ResistanceGenerally robust in subtropical conditions
• Drought ToleranceHolds condition on modest irrigation once established
• Seasonal AppealOne of the most reliable sources of scarlet autumn colour in subtropical climates
• ToxicityThe milky sap is an irritant to skin and eyes

The Mountain Tallow Tree is the subtropical street tree to specify where autumn colour is wanted.