Liquidambar

The genus Liquidambar consists of various species of deciduous trees. The most common type, almost only it is grown, is liquidambar resin-bearing, or ambergris tree (Liquidambar styracyflua), is a beautiful pyramidal tree of symmetrical shape with shiny, maple-like leaves. The trunk is covered with wrinkled brown-gray bark. Palmate-lobed leaves with a saw-edged edge acquire a bright pink color in autumn. Due to the regular arrangement of leaves, plants of the genus Liquidambar can be distinguished from maples, in which they are located opposite. Flowers are dioecious, collected in spherical heads. In place of the female inflorescences, spherical prickly spines appear, consisting of many seed pods that remain on the plants for a long time. There are decorative forms and varieties, for example 'Aurora' with a pyramidal crown, 'Burgundy' with a very dark autumn foliage color, erect 'Cue', 'Motley', whose leaves have a white border, and erect 'Worplesdon' with a pyramidal crown. The other two species that make up the genus are Liquidambar formosa (L. formosana), which is distinguished by the pubescent underside of leaves and twigs, and liquidambar oriental (L orientalis), an externally bushy plant of slow growth, with lesions of the bark of which an aromatic balm - styrax, used in medicine and perfumery, is released.

The genus Liquidambar consists of various species of deciduous trees. The most common type, almost only it is grown, is liquidambar resin-bearing, or ambergris tree (Liquidambar styracyflua), is a beautiful pyramidal tree of symmetrical shape with shiny, maple-like leaves. The trunk is covered with wrinkled brown-gray bark. Palmate-lobed leaves with a saw-edged edge acquire a bright pink color in autumn. Due to the regular arrangement of leaves, plants of the genus Liquidambar can be distinguished from maples, in which they are located opposite. Flowers are dioecious, collected in spherical heads. In place of the female inflorescences, spherical prickly spines appear, consisting of many seed pods that remain on the plants for a long time.

There are decorative forms and varieties, for example 'Aurora' with a pyramidal crown, 'Burgundy' with a very dark autumn foliage color, erect 'Cue', 'Motley', whose leaves have a white border, and erect 'Worplesdon' with a pyramidal crown.

The other two species that make up the genus are Liquidambar formosa (L. formosana), which is distinguished by the pubescent underside of leaves and twigs, and liquidambar oriental (L orientalis), an externally bushy plant of slow growth, with lesions of the bark of which an aromatic balm - styrax, used in medicine and perfumery, is released.

Cultivation

In culture, 3 types of Liquidambar are used as ornamental plants; they are grown in parks and gardens. Resistance to environmental pollution makes the tree suitable for living in urban environments. Plants can be planted permanently in November (mostly in cold climates) or March, using seedlings with a clod of earth or in containers. Liquidambars adapt very well to moist, even poorly permeable, low-yielding soils. If possible, avoid calcareous soil. Pruning is only required to remove dry, damaged, or disorderly branches.

Location

Liquidambars can be grown in the open sun or in partial shade. In the open sun, the autumn color of the foliage is more -catchy.

Temperature

This plant is extremely resistant to both high and low air temperatures.

Watering

In case of prolonged drought, even adult plants are watered. Young specimens are recommended for regular watering.

Reproduction

It propagates mainly by seed, although germination requires considerable (2 years) time. Seeds are sown in October. After the emergence of seedlings, they are planted singly and periodically transplanted into new containers; they are grown for 3-4 years, after which they are already placed in the ground in the open air. Trees obtained from seeds are grafted onto specimens of the botanical species from which they are derived. Use long branches as layers. They are dug in early spring, having previously made an incision on the underside. A new plant can be separated from the parent plant when, after it has taken root, it will take about 2 years.

Diseases

In general, liquidambars are very resistant to diseases and pest infestations. They may develop a fungal infection that causes deformation of the leaves; with such damage, no treatment is required. Sometimes red or orange pads are formed on the branches, the appearance of which is associated with the fungus Nectria cinnabarina. The affected parts of the plant are removed. Mealybugs infect young branches and leaves. A good effect in this case is given by pruning significantly infected parts of the plant.

Acquisition

Liquidambars are easily found in specialized gardening centers and nurseries. Choose fairly small specimens, well-formed and healthy.