Explore Styrax officinalis (Storax) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Styrax officinalis | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Storax, Snowbell Tree, Mediterranean Storax
Family: Styracaceae
Appearance: A deciduous shrub or small tree with oval, dark green leaves and fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Deciduous
Layer: Shrub / Small tree
Root System: Deep, well-developed roots
Height: 2–6 meters
Width: 2–4 meters
Lifespan: Long-lived perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Attracts bees and other pollinators
Toxicity: Not considered toxic
Styrax officinalis | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Mediterranean region, including Southern Europe, Turkey, and the Levant
Companionship: Found in dry, rocky, or limestone-rich soils alongside oak species, maquis vegetation, and Mediterranean shrubs
Invasive Range: Not reported as invasive
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7–11
Minimum Chill Hours Required: Not specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: Moderate tolerance
Drought: High tolerance
Shade: Moderate tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: Moderate tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance
Fire: Low tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun to partial shade
Soil Moisture: Prefers well-drained soils, tolerates dry conditions
Soil Type: Thrives in rocky, calcareous, sandy, or loamy soils
Soil pH: Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–8.5)
Propagation
Seeds: Propagated by seeds, but they may require stratification for better germination
Cuttings: Can be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings
Styrax officinalis | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: Not typically consumed as food
Medicinal: The resin, known as storax, has been used in traditional medicine for its antiseptic, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties
Cosmetics: Used in perfumes and incense due to its fragrant resin
Animal Feed: Not commonly used for fodder
Fiber: Not utilized for fiber production
Timber: Not a primary timber species but may be used for small woodworking projects
Firewood: Can be used as firewood
Wind Break: Not commonly used as a windbreak
Fence: Not used as a barrier plant
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators
Pest Repellent: Not commonly noted as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides nectar for insects
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