Liquidambar chinensis
| Liquidambar chinensis | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Altingiaceae |
| Genus: | Liquidambar |
| Species: | L. chinensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Liquidambar chinensis | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Liquidambar chinensis, commonly known as the mountain litchi,[3] is a species of flowering plant in the family Altingiaceae. It is a tree native to China and Vietnam.
Liquidambar chinensis was first validly described in 1852. The IUCN lists the species as of Least Concern. The wood is used for construction, and in the production of essential oils.
Taxonomy
Liquidambar chinensis was first validly described by George Bentham in 1852, in Hooker's Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany. Bentham attributed the name to John George Champion.[4] The species was transferred to the genus Altingia in 1873.[2]
Distribution
Liquidambar chinensis is native to the wet tropical biome of China (south-central, south-east, and Hainan) and Vietnam.[2] The species is widespread in China.[1]
IThe species' total extent of occurrence is over 180,000 square kilometres (69,000 sq mi), and it grows at elevations from 600–1,000 metres (2,000–3,300 ft).[1]
Description
Liquidambar chinensis is a tree that can grow up to 20 metres (66 ft) high. The heartwood is hard, and the sapwood is thin and fine-grained.[1]
Uses
Liquidambar chinensis is used for timber. The timber is used in construction and ship-building. Essential oils derived from the wood are used in medicine and perfume.[1]
Conservation
In 2018, the IUCN assessed Liquidambar chinensis as of Least Concern. It occurs in regions where deforestation is common, but this is not considered a major threat.[1]
In Vietnam, the species is classified as endangered.[1]
Nomenclature
In Chinese, the species is known as 蕈樹 (xun shu), 廣東楓香 (guang dong feng xiang), 山荔枝 (shan li zhi), or 中華蕈樹 (zhong hua xun shu). In Vietnamese, it is known as To Hap Trung Hoa or Gai Bôm.[3]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Barstow, M. (2019). "Liquidambar chinensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019 e.T35890A2861014. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T35890A2861014.en. Retrieved 2026-06-10.
- 1 2 3 "Liquidambar chinensis". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2026-06-10.
- 1 2 "Liquidambar chinensis Champ. ex Benth". Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 10 June 2026.
- ↑ "Liquidambar chinensis Champ. ex Benth". International Plant Names Index (IPNI). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries; Australian National Botanic Gardens.
External links
Data related to Liquidambar chinensis at Wikispecies