Liquidambar orientalis

Liquidambar orientalis - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-089

Liquidambar orientalis arboretum Breuil 2

Gebleste oosterse amberboom

Collecting the sap of the liquidambar orientalis (styrax)

Liquidambar orientalis, commonly known as the Oriental sweetgum, is a deciduous tree in the family Altingiaceae. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean region, particularly in Turkey and the Greek Islands. The tree is renowned for its distinctive star-shaped leaves and its aromatic resin, known as storax.

Description

Liquidambar orientalis can grow up to 30 meters in height. The tree has a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 1 meter. The bark is grayish-brown and deeply furrowed. The leaves are palmate, with five to seven lobes, and turn a brilliant red, orange, or yellow in the autumn.

Habitat

The Oriental sweetgum thrives in temperate climates and is commonly found in mixed forests, along riverbanks, and in areas with rich, well-drained soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is often found at altitudes ranging from sea level to 1,200 meters.

Uses

The resin, storax, extracted from Liquidambar orientalis has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, perfumery, and as incense. The wood of the tree is also valued for its hardness and is used in furniture making and carpentry.

Conservation Status

Liquidambar orientalis is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, its natural habitat is under threat due to deforestation and land conversion for agriculture.

Related Species

Liquidambar orientalis is closely related to other species in the genus Liquidambar, including:

• Liquidambar styraciflua (American sweetgum)
• Liquidambar formosana (Chinese sweetgum)

Gallery

• Liquidambar orientalis leaves.jpg

  Leaves of Liquidambar orientalis

• Liquidambar orientalis bark.jpg

  Bark of Liquidambar orientalis

See Also

• Altingiaceae
• Storax
• Deciduous
• Temperate climate
• Traditional medicine