This is an archived copy of this article, recovered after a server failure in January 2022.

Some links may be broken, and editing is disabled. We are working to bring back full functionality.

Liquidambar orientalis
  • Oriental Sweet Gum

a perennial woody deciduous member of the Liquidambar genus in the family Hamamelidaceae.

248px
Niche
  • Secondary canopy
    Secondary canopy
    There are no details available for this niche.
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral
    Acid to Neutral
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 8
    Zone 8
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Liquidambar orientalis has 0 edible uses listed
Liquidambar orientalis has 0 material uses listed
Liquidambar orientalis has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Edible uses

Notes

A chewing gum and a stabilizer for cakes etc are obtained from the resin[1]. This resin is also used to flavour baked foods etc[2].

Unknown part

Gum

Material uses

The aromatic resin 'Storax' is obtained from the trunk of this tree[3][4]. It forms in cavities of the bark and also exudes naturally. It is harvested in autumn. Production can be stimulated by beating the trunk in the spring[5][6]. The resin has a wide range of uses including medicinal, incense, perfumery, soaps etc. It is also used as a parasiticide[7][8]. Liquid storax gives greater permanence to the odours of flowers extracted by maceration[9]. It is also used in the imitation of other scents as an alternative to vanilla, ambergris and benzoin, or to complement them[9]. The aromatic bark is burnt as an incense[9].

Unknown part

Incense
Resin
Wood

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

A resin obtained from the wood and inner bark acts both as an irritant and an expectorant within the respiratory tract. It is one of the ingredients of 'Friar's Balsam', an expectorant mixture that is inhaled to stimulate a productive cough[10]. Externally it is applied to the skin to treat a range of diseases[10]. The resin is also mixed with Hamamelis virginiana and Rose water to make an astringent face lotion[10].

The resin is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, expectorant, pectoral, salve and stimulant[7][3][8][11][12][6]. It is taken internally in the treatment of strokes, infantile convulsions, coma, heart disease and pruritis[6]. It is also used in the treatment of cancer[12]. Externally it is mixed with oil and used to treat scabies, wounds, ulcers etc[6][10]. The bark is harvested in the autumn and the resin extracted from the bark[10].

The leaves, fruits and roots are used in similar ways to the resin[6] and are also considered to be antidote, parasiticide and vulnerary[12].

Unknown part

Antibacterial
Antidote
Antiinflammatory
Parasiticide
Pectoral
Salve
Stimulant
Vulnerary

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Secondary canopy

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. Harvest the seed capsules at the end of October or November, dry in a warm place and extract the seed by shaking the capsule. Stored seed requires 1 - 3 months stratification and sometimes takes 2 years to germinate. Sow it as early in the year as possible. Germination rates are often poor. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame or greenhouse for their first winter. Since they resent root disturbance, it is best to plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer of their second year and give them some protection from cold for their first winter outdoors[K].

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Suckers in early spring.

Layering in October/November. Takes 12 months.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Liquidambar orientalis. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a moist but not swampy loam in a sheltered position[13][14]. Prefers a neutral to acid soil[15]. Grows poorly on shallow soils overlying chalk[16]. Plants can be grown in full sun so long as the soil is not dry hungry and shallow[15].

Young plants are susceptible to damage from late frosts[17][15][14]. Mature plants are fully hardy but prefer a hotter climate if they are to do well[17]. Plants rarely, if ever, flower in Britain[17]. They rarely flower in climatic zones colder than zone 7[14]. An aromatic gum exudes from the trunk. The fragrance is also present to some extent in the leaves, especially if they are bruised[9]. This species resents root disturbance, young plants should be pot-grown and be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible[14].

A slow growing plant[13].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Liquidambar orientalis. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Liquidambar orientalis.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Liquidambar orientalis
Genus
Liquidambar
Family
Hamamelidaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[1][2]
Medicinal uses
[10][7][3][8][11][12][6]
Material uses & Functions
[3][4][5][6][7][8][9]
Botanic
[17][18][14]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
8
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Secondary canopy
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    deciduous
    Herbaceous or Woody
    woody
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    slow
    Mature Size
    10 x 4 meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Bees
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    monoecious

    "image:Liquidambar_orientalis_-_Köhler?s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-089.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Liquidambar_orientalis_-_Köhler?s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-089.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Liquidambar_orientalis_-_Köhler?s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-089.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Liquidambar_orientalis_-_Köhler?s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-089.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Liquidambar_orientalis_-_Köhler?s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-089.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Liquidambar_orientalis_-_Köhler?s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-089.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Liquidambar_orientalis_-_Köhler?s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-089.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Liquidambar_orientalis_-_Köhler?s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-089.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Liquidambar_orientalis_-_Köhler?s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-089.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Liquidambar_orientalis_-_Köhler?s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-089.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Liquidambar_orientalis_-_Köhler?s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-089.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Liquidambar_orientalis_-_Köhler?s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-089.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Liquidambar_orientalis_-_Köhler?s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-089.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Liquidambar_orientalis_-_Köhler?s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-089.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.3 Schery. R. W. Plants for Man. ()
    4. ? 4.04.1 Howes. F. N. Vegetable Gums and Resins. Faber ()
    5. ? 5.05.1 Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press (1952-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.46.56.6 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.3 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.3 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.4 Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.110.210.310.410.5 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.1 Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles (1985-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.112.212.3 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.114.214.314.4 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.115.2 ? The Plantsman. Vol. 4. 1982 - 1983. Royal Horticultural Society (1982-00-00)
    16. ? Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-86318-386-7 (1990-00-00)
    17. ? 17.017.117.217.3 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
    18. ? Davis. P. H. Flora of Turkey. Edinburgh University Press (1965-00-00)

    "image:Liquidambar_orientalis_-_Köhler?s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-089.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Retrieved from "http://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Liquidambar_orientalis&oldid=78351"
    Facts about "Liquidambar orientalis"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyHamamelidaceae +
    Belongs to genusLiquidambar +
    Has binomial nameLiquidambar orientalis +
    Has common nameOriental Sweet Gum +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partUnknown part +
    Has edible useGum +
    Has fertility typeBees +
    Has flowers of typeMonoecious +
    Has growth rateSlow +
    Has hardiness zone8 +
    Has imageLiquidambar orientalis - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-089.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useIncense +, Resin + and Wood +
    Has mature height10 +
    Has mature width4 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAntibacterial +, Antidote +, Antiinflammatory +, Parasiticide +, Pectoral +, Salve +, Stimulant + and Vulnerary +
    Has primary imageLiquidambar_orientalis_-_Köhler–s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-089.jpg +
    Has search nameliquidambar orientalis + and oriental sweet gum +
    Has shade toleranceLight shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid + and Neutral +
    Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy + and Clay +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy nameLiquidambar orientalis +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Inhabits ecosystem nicheSecondary canopy +
    Is deciduous or evergreenDeciduous +
    Is herbaceous or woodyWoody +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedYes +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
    Has subobjectThis property is a special property in this wiki.Liquidambar orientalis +, Liquidambar orientalis +, Liquidambar orientalis +, Liquidambar orientalis +, Liquidambar orientalis +, Liquidambar orientalis +, Liquidambar orientalis +, Liquidambar orientalis +, Liquidambar orientalis +, Liquidambar orientalis +, Liquidambar orientalis + and Liquidambar orientalis +