Top Tallowtree Seed Producing Countries

The tallowtree, most commonly known as the Chinese tallow tree (*Triadica sebifera*), is native to eastern Asia, particularly China and Taiwan, where it has been cultivated for centuries for its seeds, which yield tallow and oil used in soap, candles, and industrial applications. Historically, Chinese farmers developed methods to harvest and process tallowtree seeds as early as the Tang dynasty, integrating the crop into local agroforestry systems. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the tree was introduced to other regions, including India and the southern United States, where it was promoted for ornamental purposes and as a source of oil. Today, China remains the leading producer of tallowtree seed, with smaller-scale cultivation occurring in Taiwan, Vietnam, and India. In the United States, particularly in the Gulf Coast states, the tallowtree has become naturalized and is sometimes considered invasive, but it is occasionally harvested for seed. The global spread of the tallowtree reflects both its economic value and adaptability, though its cultivation outside native regions is often limited due to ecological concerns.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat