Storax Tree
Styrax officinalis
Family: Styracaceae
What it is like
Styrax officinalis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 5
Where it is found
Dry rocky slopes, often on limestone, to 1500 metres. Woods and thickets, also by streams.
Europe - E. Mediterranean.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
A highly perfumed balsamic gum is obtained from the branches and stems. It is occasionally used as a condiment. This gum is almost certainly the resin described below.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 1
A resin obtained from the stems of the plant is antiseptic and expectorant.
Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Other
Rating:
The fragrant resin 'storax' is obtained by wounding the stem. It is used medicinally, in perfumes, incense etc. The fruits are used as beads in rosaries etc.
Beads: Used as necklaces etc.
Resin: Used in perfumery, medicines, paints, soap making etc. This also includes turpentine, which is extracted from many resins and used as a preservative, water proofer etc,
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Requires a light lime-free soil in sun or semi-shade. 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. Prefers a warm sheltered position with protection from the morning sun. 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 but the young growth is liable to be damaged by late frosts. Succeeds in the milder parts of the country. Plants were growing and fruiting well on a west-facing wall at Kew in 1992. Plants do not flower freely unless in a warm sunny spot or on a south facing wall. The flowers are very fragrant. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed requires 3 months warm then 3 months cold stratification. 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. Layering in autumn.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist