Liquidambar orientalis
aka
Storax
Taxonomy
Liquidambar orientalis, commonly known as oriental sweetgum or Turkish sweetgum, is a deciduous tree in the genus Liquidambar. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and can be found mainly in the floodplains of southwestern Turkey and on the Greek island of Rhodes. This slow-growing, large shrub or bushy tree has five-lobed, palmate leaves that turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange in autumn. Inconspicuous green flowers appear in spring and are followed by spiky, spherical seed clusters that persist into winter.
The oriental sweetgum tree can reach heights of 30-35 meters (98-115 feet) with a trunk diameter of 100 cm (39 inches). It bears unisexual flowers from March to April, and its fruits ripen from November to December, with the seeds being dispersed by wind. The tree is highly valued for its attractive autumn foliage. It thrives at elevations between 0-400 meters (0-1,312 feet) and prefers a mean annual rainfall of 1,000-1,200 mm (39-47 inches) and a mean annual temperature of 18 °C (64 °F). While it thrives in rich, deep, and moist soils such as bogs, river banks, and coastal areas, it can also adapt to slopes and dry soil.
Common names
Storax, Oriental Sweet Gum, Oriental Sweetgum
How to care for Storax
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Storax due to its easy-going nature.
To ensure optimal growth, the Storax prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
Storax’s native range is W. Asia.
More info:
Wikipedia
