Our Chinese Tallow Tree...

This tree is native to southern China, where a substantial industry once revolved around the harvesting and processing of its waxy seeds.

They were thrown into boiling water to remove the wax, which was skimmed off and used to make candles.

The seeds were then pressed to extract an oil for use in lamps, as a purgative, and for making oil-paper and soap.

These days the Chinese tallow tree is grown mostly as an ornamental.

It never fails to provide brilliant autumn colour to our backyard.