Wax tree

A wax tree is a common name applied to several different species of plants that produce a waxy substance on their leaves, fruits, or other plant parts. This wax is often extracted and used for various commercial purposes, including candlemaking, polish, and other industrial applications. The specific properties of the wax vary depending on the species of tree.

The term "wax tree" is most frequently associated with:

• Toxicodendron succedaneum: Also known as the Japanese wax tree, wax tree, haze tree, or lacquer tree. This species is native to Asia and is cultivated for its fruit, which yields a vegetable wax used in candles and polishes. It is related to poison ivy and can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

• Other plants: The term may less frequently be applied to other plants that exude waxes, either naturally or through cultivation. The specific application of the name to less-common species will depend on local usage and context.

The wax produced by wax trees is generally harvested by boiling the plant parts containing the wax. The wax then floats to the surface and can be skimmed off. The resulting crude wax is typically refined further before being used commercially.