Styrax officinalis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range across several Mediterranean regions. In Southwestern Europe, its presence is noted within the borders of France. Moving toward Southeastern Europe, it can be found growing in Albania and Greece. The species also extends its distribution into Italy. Furthermore, its habitat includes the island of Kriti within the Southeastern European region.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Styrax officinalis is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody branches. Within this category, it is more specifically identified as a phanerophyte, ensuring its survival through seasonal changes by protecting its regenerative structures in elevated, woody tissue. As a perennial woody shrub, it follows a life cycle defined by continuous growth and seasonal fluctuations, utilizing its elevated buds to withstand environmental stressors and maintain its structural integrity over multiple years.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Styrax officinalis is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, exhibiting a self-supporting structural habit. As a terrestrial plant, it does not function as an aquatic, semiaquatic, or climbing organism, such as a liana or vine, but rather maintains a stable, upright stature. The species is non-parasitic, growing as an independent organism without relying on host plants, and it is strictly terrestrial rather than acting as an epiphyte. Its physical constitution is defined by its woody nature, providing the necessary rigidity for its shrubby development.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Styrax officinalis is characterized by the production of seeds that exhibit significant morphological variation in size. The seed mass within a population is quite diverse, ranging from a minimum of 0.0566 g to a maximum of 0.61468 g. When considering the collective data for the species, the average seed mass is calculated at a mean of 0.3897075 g.

Seed mass max:

0.61468 g

Seed mass mean:

0.3897075 g

Seed mass min:

0.0566 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Styrax officinalis has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include seed.

Seed

1. Phytochemistry

Preparations

Styrax officinalis has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include hexane extract, seeds.

Hexane extract

1. Phytochemistry

Seeds

1. Phytochemistry