Liquidambar chingii
Liquidambar chingii, commonly known as storax, is a resin-producing tree native to the Mediterranean and Middle East. Renowned for its aromatic balsamic resin, this medicinal plant has been utilized since antiquity. It offers potent antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, serving as a vital ingredient in traditional healing practices.
- Scientific name: Liquidambar chingii
- Family: Altingiaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Saxifragales, falling into the family Altingiaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement within the genus Liquidambar.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Saxifragales | WCVP |
| Family | Altingiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Liquidambar | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Liquidambar chingii, is known by several common names depending on the linguistic region, specifically referred to as 半枫荷 in Chinese (zh), 半枫荷 in Simplified Chinese (zh-cn), 半楓荷 in Traditional Chinese (zh-tw), and 半枫荷 in Simplified Chinese (zh-hans).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 半枫荷 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 半枫荷 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 半楓荷 | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 半枫荷 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Liquidambar chingii, exhibits a specific range of occurrence across East and Southeast Asia. Within China, its distribution is primarily concentrated in the South-Central regions. It can also be found throughout the Southeast portions of the country. Furthermore, the species extends its reach into the Indo-China peninsula. Specifically, Vietnam serves as a key geographical area where this medicinal plant is located.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known for its aromatic properties, utilizes various anatomical structures for its medicinal value. The thick, resinous bark is perhaps the most significant part, as it is harvested to obtain the valuable styrax resin. The branches and sturdy stems support a dense canopy of fragrant leaves, which contribute to the plant's overall chemical profile. While the roots anchor the tree firmly into the soil, providing structural stability and nutrient uptake, the flowers may produce nectar to attract pollinators, completing the complex biological system of this medicinal species.- Total parts
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 9
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| nectar | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| branches | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |