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Liquidambar acalycina

Liquidambar acalycina H.T.Chang
Liquidambar acalycina
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)

Liquidambar acalycina, known as Chang's sweetgum, is a deciduous tree in the Altingiaceae family, native to southern China. It reaches heights of 30–50 ft (9.1–15.2 m) with a broad spread of 20–30 ft (6.1–9.1 m). The tree has three-lobed, maple-like leaves that turn red in autumn. It is monoecious, with inconspicuous yellow/green flowers followed by persistent gum-balls. The tree is named for the sweet-smelling resin it releases when wounded.

Description

Liquidambar acalycina is a medium-sized, deciduous tree native to southern China, growing up to 50 ft (15.2 m) tall. It belongs to the genus Liquidambar and the family Altingiaceae. The species was described by H.T. Chang in 1959. Its leaves are three-lobed, resembling maple leaves, and display a red color in autumn. The tree is monoecious, bearing both male and female flowers on the same individual. These flowers are small and yellow/green, followed by small, persistent fruit clusters known as gum-balls. The tree is named for the sweet-smelling resin it exudes when the bark is pierced. It is found in South-Central and Southeast China.

Distribution

Global · China South-Central · China Southeast

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