American sweetgum - Liquidambar styraciflua

Description and Uses

Liquidambar styraciflua (American sweetgum) is a tropical tree from Mexico. It is mainly grown for its ornamental crops (medium shelflife), The crop is harvested by total removing. After 30 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Liquidambar styraciflua has a lifespan of 150 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 50 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Liquidambar styraciflua has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations (endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The tree`s flower-morphology is monoecious and is pollinated by insects.

Liquidambar styraciflua thrives in an altitude of 700 to 2000 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is -24°C and optimally between 8 - 20°C. The optimal rainfall is 1900 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 1000 - 1800 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 7.0 in a soil texture of all. To salt it is a bit tolerant to wind and to fire intolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 3 months. There are approximative 55000 seeds/kg. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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