Practical
Plants

Styrax officinalis

Storax Tree

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Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Styrax
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
deciduous
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
slow
Height
5 m
Spread
2 m
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Edible uses

A highly perfumed balsamic gum is obtained from the branches and stems[7]. It is occasionally used as a condiment[7]. This gum is almost certainly the resin described below[K].

Product or use
Condiment

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

A resin obtained from the stems of the plant is antiseptic and expectorant[3][2][10].

Product or use
Antiseptic
Product or use
Expectorant

Material uses

The fragrant resin 'storax' is obtained by wounding the stem[12][13]. It is used medicinally, in perfumes, incense etc[3][5]. The fruits are used as beads in rosaries etc[13][5][6].

Product or use
Beads
Product or use
Resin

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Secondary canopy

Environment

Range
Europe - E. Mediterranean.
Habitat
Dry rocky slopes, often on limestone, to 1500 metres[6]. Woods and thickets, also by streams[11].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 9+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
drought
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
tolerant

Propagation

Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[3]. Stored seed requires 3 months warm then 3 months cold stratification[4]. Germination is usually good, prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle. Overwinter in a greenhouse for the first winter and plant out in late spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[4]. Layering in autumn.

Cultivation

Requires a light lime-free soil in sun or semi-shade[3][8]. If planted out when young into a planting hole that has been filled with a light lime-free soil the plants will successfully grow into the surrounding soil[3]. Prefers a warm sheltered position with protection from the morning sun[3]. Dislikes wet soils. Established plants are drought tolerant, they grow better in Britain when the summer is dry. This species is not very hardy outdoors in Britain. Dormant plants tolerate temperatures down to about -5°c[8] but the young growth is liable to be damaged by late frosts[3]. Succeeds in the milder parts of the country[1]. Plants were growing and fruiting well on a west-facing wall at Kew in 1992[K]. Plants do not flower freely unless in a warm sunny spot or on a south facing wall[6]. The flowers are very fragrant[9]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[8].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Haywood. V. H. Flowering Plants of the World. Oxford University Press ISBN 0-19-217674-9

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  3. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7

  4. Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009

    ↩1↩2

  5. Niebuhr. A. D. Herbs of Greece. Herb Society of America. 1970-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  6. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩1↩2↩3

  7. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩1↩2

  8. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  9. Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-00-219220-0

    ↩

  10. Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986-00-00

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  11. Polunin. O. Flowers of Greece and the Balkans. Oxford University Press 1980-00-00 ISBN 0-19-217626-9

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  12. Howes. F. N. Vegetable Gums and Resins. Faber

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  13. Polunin. O. and Huxley. A. Flowers of the Mediterranean. Hogarth Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0-7012-0784-1

    ↩1↩2

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