General notes
The National Collection is on heavy clay, sheltered by woodland but is very windy in winter and in a frost pocket.
Four species are generally recognised.
L. styraciflua which is found in alluvial soils in USA. It is known as the alligator plant because of the corky ridges on the bark, and also as red gum which has caused confusion with the red gum, a species of Eucalyptus in Australia. The specific name comes from storax Greek for gum and fluo - to flow.
L. orientalis may grow in drier ground and is probably the balm of gilead of the bible.
The plants are not reliable on alkaline soil and prefer moist conditions. Autumn colours vary from site to site and are dependant on soil as well as position. For any consideration of awards, the reliability of colour from year to year should be taken into account and it should be noted that the autumn colours in North America are not always identical to those of United Kingdom.
There are no hybrids known by those present at meeting but Santamour is said to have raised hybrids which have not been distributed.
L. styraciflua was the first plant from which benzine was extracted.
Sources of plants
- Mr and Mrs Boscawen, High Beeches Garden, Handcross, Sussex
- Crown Estate Commissioners, Windsor, Berks
- Dr John Gammon, Birchfleet, Nyewood, Hants
- Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Arboretum, Ampfield, Hants
- RHS Garden, Wisley, Surrey
- R Herbert Gresham Street, London?
- Starborough Nursery, Edenbridge, Kent
References
- Arnoldia (29) 4
- Bean; Trees and shrubs hardy in the British Isles
- Santamour & McArdle; Cultivar check list for Liquidambar and Liriodendron. Jounal of Arboriculture 10 (11) 1984
- Catalogue of G. & A. Adeline, La Chapelle Montilard, France (National Collection Holder)