Japanese name: フウ（楓） Scientific name:Liquidambar formosana
[Overview]
A deciduous tree growing as tall as 30–40 m.
The resin has a pleasant fragrance, and the leaves, branches and buds are fragrant.
The leaves are alternate, 7–15 cm in both length and width, and deeply 3-lobed.
The leaf margins have fine serrations.
The petiole is 8–10 cm long.
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 globose capsules, which split open on the surface when ripe and release the seeds.
[Uses]
The resin is used as a fragrance and as medicine.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed.
It prefers a sunny site with fertile, well-drained, moisture-retentive, slightly moist soil.
It is generally hardy, but dislikes cold regions and dry land.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
Plant and prune during the dormant season when it has lost its leaves, avoiding the coldest period.
Pests and diseases include the fall webworm.
