Storax tree, Mediterranean styrax

Styrax officinalis

The original Greek styrax: the Mediterranean shrub whose resin the ancients burned before the name migrated to Liquidambar balsam and then, via Linnaeus, to the benzoin trees. Its resin is no longer traded.

· Atlas · Plant species

Styrax officinalis
FamilyStyracaceae
OrderEricales
HabitShrub or small tree of Mediterranean scrub
GBIF occurrence records7,444

Origins

Recorded in (top countries)

  • Israel 2,950
  • France 1,468
  • Lebanon 710
  • Greece 498
  • Turkey 462
  • Italy 225
  • CY 154
  • United States 77

Data: PubChem, GBIF (retrieved 2026-09-09); descriptions by Benjuí.