Japanese name: モミジバフウ（紅葉葉楓） Scientific name:Liquidambar styraciflua
[Overview]
A deciduous tree that reaches 45 m in the wild.
The resin has a pleasant fragrance, and the leaves, branches and buds are aromatic.
The trunk is erect and the tree has a neat shape.
The branches have corky wings.
The leaves are simple and alternate, palmately divided into 5–7 lobes.
The upper surface of the leaf is glossy, and the underside has yellowish-brown hairs.
The leaf margins are finely serrated.
The leaves turn red in autumn.
There are male and female flowers, both borne in heads, and the male heads are further gathered in racemes.
The fruit is an aggregate of capsules forming a sphere 3–4 cm across; when ripe, the surface splits and releases the seeds.
[Uses]
The shape of the fruit is interesting, so it is used for crafts.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed.
It prefers sunny, well-drained, moisture-retentive, slightly moist, fertile soil.
It is generally robust, but dislikes cold regions and dry regions.
Plant and prune during the leafless season, avoiding the coldest period.
Pests and diseases include the fall webworm.
