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Common Name: Storax Tree

General Information

Styrax officinalis is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 5.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Europe - E. Mediterranean.

Habitat

Dry rocky slopes, often on limestone, to 1500 metres[]. Woods and thickets, also by streams[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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[].

Edible Uses

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[].

Medicinal

A resin obtained from the stems of the plant is antiseptic and expectorant[, , ].

Other Uses

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[, , ].

Propagation

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, mid summer in a frame[].
Layering in autumn.