Tallow-tree

Tallow-tree, the name given to trees of different kinds which produce a thick oil or vegetable tallow, or a somewhat resinous substance, which, like tallow, is capable of being used for making candles. The tallow-tree of Malabar (Vateria indica) is a very large tree of the natural order Dipterocarpaceæ. The tallow-tree of China (Sapium sebiferum or Stillingia sebifera) belongs to the natural order Euphorbiaceæ, but has been naturalised in India, the West Indies, and in some parts of the southern United States. The capsules are internally divided into three cells, each containing a nearly hemispherical seed, which is covered with a beautifully white vegetable tallow. For the manufacture of candles the capsules and seeds are crushed and boiled, and the fat skimmed off whilst in a melted state. To improve the consistency, wax or linseed-oil is added to it. The name tallow-tree is sometimes given in North America to a species of Candleberry (q.v.).