Liquidambar siamensis

Liquidambar siamensis
Preserved specimen of Liquidambar siamensis, consisting of twigs with brown leaves, and round fruits
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Embryophytes
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Altingiaceae
Genus: Liquidambar
Species:
L. siamensis
Binomial name
Liquidambar siamensis
(Craib) Ickert-Bond & J.Wen
Synonyms[2]
  • Altingia siamensis Craib
  • Altingia angustifolia H.T.Chang
  • Altingia takhtajanii T.V.Trung & L.V.Lok
  • Altingia tenuifolia Chun ex Hung T.Chang

Liquidambar siamensis is a species of flowering plant in the family Altingiaceae. It is a tree native to south-east Asia.

Liquidambar siamensis was first described in 1928, and received its current name in 2013. The IUCN lists the species as of Least Concern. It is used for timber and essential oils.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1928, by William Grant Craib, as Altingia siamensis.[2] In 2013, Stefanie Ickert-Bond and Jun Wen moved all species of the genus Altingia to Liquidambar, creating the new combination Liquidambar siamensis.[3]

Distribution

Liquidambar siamensis is native to Cambodia, China (southern Yunnan, eastern Guangdong, Guizhou, and southern Jiangxi), Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.[2] It occurs in humid forests, and near rivers, at elevations of 350–1,200 metres (1,150–3,940 ft). It is a light demanding species.[1]

Description

Liquidambar siamensis is a tree that grows 7–30 metres (23–98 ft) high.[1] It has simple leaves, with serrated edges, that lack drip tips. The leaves resemble those of Liquidambar multinervis. The infructescences are flattened, and shaped like inverted cones.[3]

Uses

Timber from Liquidambar siamensis is used in construction and ship-building. The species is also used for essential oils.[1]

Conservation

In 2018, the IUCN listed Liquidambar siamensis as of Least Concern. It is widespread in south-east Asia, faces no known threats, and occurs in protected areas. In China, the species is listed as Vulnerable, as it has a restricted geographic range.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Rivers, M.C.; Barstow, M.; Beech, E. (2019). "Liquidambar siamensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019 e.T191404A1978600. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T191404A1978600.en. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
  2. 1 2 3 "Liquidambar siamensis". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
  3. 1 2 Ickert-Bond, Stefanie M.; Wen, Jun (17 December 2013). "A taxonomic synopsis of Altingiaceae with nine new combinations". PhytoKeys. 31: 21–61. doi:10.3897/phytokeys.31.6251. PMC 3881344. Retrieved 10 June 2026.

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