Liquidambar styraciflua

Name and publication

Liquidambar styraciflua L., Sp. Pl. 2: 999 (1753).

Description

Multiple fruits of the sweet-gum are occasionally encountered in porpourri. Commonly called gum balls, these capsules resemble bird beaks or a globular sea-urchin, 1.5-3.5 cm in diameter.

Nativity and distribution

Liquidambar styraciflua is native to North America from Connecticut to Nicaragua.

Family

Hamamelidaceae, also placed in Altingiaceae