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:
Deciduous
Shrub

Height:
5 m
(16 feet)

Flowering:
June


Scent:
Scented
Shrub

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 known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.