Liquidambar orientalis (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist but well drained
Eventual Height: 10m
Eventual Spread: 5m
Hardiness: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Family: Altingiaceae
Liquidambar orientalis is a slow growing deciduous tree with a bushy, conical habit. Its mid green leaves are palmate with five lobes, up to 10cm long and 10cm broad. Its leaves turn red/ orange/ yellow in autumn before they fall. Its gray bark is corky in texture. Its cream/ green flowers are monoecious, being held separately on male and female branches. The fruit is spiky, globose, initially green maturing to brown and up to 3.5cm long.
Liquidambar orientalis Autumn Leaf (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Liquidambar orientalis, commonly known as Oriental Sweetgum, Turkish Sweetgum or Storax, is Native to the east Meddeteranian region. In its native habitat it grows in flood plains, marshes and stream valley sides.
The etymological root of the binomial name Liquidambar was given to it by Hernandez in reference to its aromatic gum, which he described as ‘liquid amber’. Orientalis is from the Latin meaning ‘from the East’.
The landscape architect may find Liquidambar orientalis useful as a small specimen tree providing attractive autumn color.
Ecologically, Liquidambar orientalis will cater for the larvae of some species of Lepidoptera.
Liquidambar orientalis Bark (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Liquidambar orientalis prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It prefers a neutral to acid pH of soil.
Liquidambar orientalis requires little maintenance. Removal of dead and damaged material should be carried out in late autumn or winter.
