Liquidambar orientalis: Difference between revisions

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[[file:Liquidambar_orientalis_-_Köhler–s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-089.jpg|thumb|Liquidambar orientalis - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-089]] [[file:Liquidambar_orientalis_arboretum_Breuil_2.jpg|thumb|Liquidambar orientalis arboretum Breuil 2|left]] [[file:Gebleste_oosterse_amberboom.JPG|thumb|Gebleste oosterse amberboom]] [[file:Collecting_the_sap_of_the_liquidambar_orientalis_(styrax).JPG|thumb|Collecting the sap of the liquidambar orientalis (styrax)|left]] '''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]].
[[File:Liquidambar orientalis arboretum Breuil 2.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Gebleste oosterse amberboom.JPG|thumb]] [[File:Collecting the sap of the liquidambar orientalis (styrax).JPG|thumb]] {{Taxobox
| name = Liquidambar orientalis
| status = NT
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref>{{cite iucn | id=62029934 | title=Liquidambar orientalis | assessors=Güner, A. | year=2014 | version=2014.3 | accessdate=2014-12-10}}</ref>
| image = Liquidambar orientalis.jpg
| image_caption = Liquidambar orientalis foliage
| regnum = [[Plantae]]
| unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]]
| unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]]
| unranked_ordo = [[Rosids]]
| ordo = [[Saxifragales]]
| familia = [[Altingiaceae]]
| genus = ''[[Liquidambar]]''
| species = '''''L. orientalis'''''
| binomial = ''Liquidambar orientalis''
| binomial_authority = [[Pierre Edmond Boissier|Boiss.]]
}}
 
'''''Liquidambar orientalis''''', commonly known as the Oriental sweetgum, is a deciduous tree native to the eastern Mediterranean region, particularly in southwestern Turkey and the Greek island of Rhodes. It is a member of the family [[Altingiaceae]], which includes other species of sweetgum trees.


==Description==
==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.
''Liquidambar orientalis'' is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. The tree is characterized by its deeply lobed, star-shaped leaves, which are reminiscent of those of the maple tree. In autumn, the leaves turn a brilliant array of colors, ranging from yellow to deep red, making it a popular ornamental tree.


==Habitat==
The bark of ''L. orientalis'' is grayish-brown and deeply furrowed, providing a distinctive texture. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring, which are followed by spiky, spherical fruit capsules that contain numerous seeds.
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.
 
==Habitat and Distribution==
''Liquidambar orientalis'' is primarily found in the floodplain forests and along riverbanks in its native range. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is often associated with other riparian species. The tree is adapted to a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.


==Uses==
==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.
The Oriental sweetgum is valued for its aromatic resin, known as storax or styrax, which has been used historically in perfumery, incense, and traditional medicine. The resin is extracted by making incisions in the bark and collecting the exudate.
 
In addition to its resin, ''L. orientalis'' is also cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens due to its attractive foliage and autumn colors.


==Conservation Status==
==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.
''Liquidambar orientalis'' is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and degradation. The primary threats to its habitat include agricultural expansion, urbanization, and the construction of dams, which alter the natural hydrology of its native regions.
 
==Related Species==
''Liquidambar orientalis'' is closely related to other species in the genus [[Liquidambar]], including:
* [[Liquidambar styraciflua]] (American sweetgum)
* [[Liquidambar formosana]] (Chinese sweetgum)


==Gallery==
==Also see==
<gallery>
* [[Liquidambar styraciflua]]
File:Liquidambar orientalis leaves.jpg|Leaves of ''Liquidambar orientalis''
File:Liquidambar orientalis bark.jpg|Bark of ''Liquidambar orientalis''
</gallery>
 
==See Also==
* [[Altingiaceae]]
* [[Altingiaceae]]
* [[Storax]]
* [[Deciduous trees]]
* [[Deciduous]]
* [[Mediterranean flora]]
* [[Temperate climate]]
* [[Traditional medicine]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
<references />


==External Links==
{{Taxonbar|from=Q157303}}
{{Commons category|Liquidambar orientalis}}


[[Category:Altingiaceae]]
[[Category:Altingiaceae]]
[[Category:Trees of Turkey]]
[[Category:Flora of Turkey]]
[[Category:Trees of Greece]]
[[Category:Flora of Greece]]
[[Category:Deciduous trees]]
[[Category:Trees of Mediterranean climate]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
 
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 15:22, 9 December 2024

Liquidambar orientalis, commonly known as the Oriental sweetgum, is a deciduous tree native to the eastern Mediterranean region, particularly in southwestern Turkey and the Greek island of Rhodes. It is a member of the family Altingiaceae, which includes other species of sweetgum trees.

Description[edit]

Liquidambar orientalis is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. The tree is characterized by its deeply lobed, star-shaped leaves, which are reminiscent of those of the maple tree. In autumn, the leaves turn a brilliant array of colors, ranging from yellow to deep red, making it a popular ornamental tree.

The bark of L. orientalis is grayish-brown and deeply furrowed, providing a distinctive texture. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring, which are followed by spiky, spherical fruit capsules that contain numerous seeds.

Habitat and Distribution[edit]

Liquidambar orientalis is primarily found in the floodplain forests and along riverbanks in its native range. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is often associated with other riparian species. The tree is adapted to a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Uses[edit]

The Oriental sweetgum is valued for its aromatic resin, known as storax or styrax, which has been used historically in perfumery, incense, and traditional medicine. The resin is extracted by making incisions in the bark and collecting the exudate.

In addition to its resin, L. orientalis is also cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens due to its attractive foliage and autumn colors.

Conservation Status[edit]

Liquidambar orientalis is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and degradation. The primary threats to its habitat include agricultural expansion, urbanization, and the construction of dams, which alter the natural hydrology of its native regions.

Also see[edit]

References[edit]

<references />