Common Name:

General Information

Styrax serrulatus is a deciduous shrub or a tree growing around 4 - 12 metres tall, occasionally to 18 metres, with a trunk around 9 - 25cm in diameter[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. The tree has beautiful flowers and is sometimes grown as an ornamental[].
Styrax serrulatus is widespread, common, with a stable population and no fluctuations. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2023)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - India, Nepal, Bangladesh, southern China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam

Habitat

Found at elevations up to 2,700 metres[]. Sparse forests; at elevations from 500 - 1,700 metres in southwest China[]. In a variety of forests and jungles, on hillside slopes, in moist soils or by rivers; at elevations up to 2,438 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	7.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Styrax serrulatus is probably able to tolerate winter temperatures falling to around -10°c, or perhaps a little lower.
Prefers a sandy loam and a position in semi-shade[]. Plants in this genus tend to prefer a warm, sheltered position in a moist but well-drained acidic soil[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Resin is astringent and refrigerant and is used for the treatment of dysentery, diarrhoea, to prevent vomiting and as an embrocation for rheumatism[]

Other Uses

The plant yields a gum benzoin[]. Var. virgatum (Syn Styrax virgatum. Wall.) is used[]. The gum is of inferior quality[].

The wood can be used for construction materials, furniture, and tools[].
The wood has potential value as a fuel, having a high calorific value and producing a low amount of ash[].

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.