medicinal herbs
Storax Tree
Styrax officinalis
Herb: Storax Tree
Latin name: Styrax officinalis
Family: Styracaceae (Storax Family)
Medicinal use of Storax Tree:
A resin obtained from the stems of the plant is antiseptic and expectorant.Description of the plant:
Plant:
DeciduousShrub
Height:
5 m(16 feet)
Flowering:
JuneScent:
ScentedShrub
Habitat of the herb:
Dry rocky slopes, often on limestone, to 1500 metres. Woods and thickets, also by streams.Edible parts of Storax Tree:
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.Other uses of the herb:
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 of Storax Tree:
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, July/August in a frame. Layering in autumn.Cultivation of the herb:
Dry rocky slopes, often on limestone, to 1500 metres. Woods and thickets, also by streams.Known hazards of Styrax officinalis:
None knownPlant information taken from the Plants For A Future.