Siam benzoin,Lao benzointree
Styrax tonkinensis
Family: Styracaceae
What it is like
A tree. It grows 6-30 m tall. The trunk is 8-60 cm across. The bark is dark grey and irregularly divided. The leaves are alternate and 8-18 cm long by 4-10 cm wide. The flowers are in groups and are 1-3 cm across. The fruit are flattened and 1 cm across.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in mixed forests between 100-2,000 m above sea level. In Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Cambodia, China, Indochina, Laos, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The gum is used in the food industry for flavouring ice cream, baked goods, chewing gum and drinks.
Edible parts
Gum
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Antuc bacbo, Yue nan an xi xiang