Liquidambar formosana

Flower name
Liquidambar formosana
Scientific name
Liquidambar formosana
Aliasフウ
Place of originTaiwan
Place of floweringPark, Streets, Planting
Flowering seasonMarch, April

What is Liquidambar formosana

Taiwan Sweetgum (Japanese: タイワンフウ, Scientific name: Liquidambar formosana) is a deciduous tall tree of the genus Liquidambar in the family Altingiaceae, order Saxifragales, native to Taiwan.
It is commonly called "Fuu" or "Sankakuba-fuu" (Triangular-leaf Sweetgum).
It prefers moist environments.
The tree grows up to 20 meters in height.
The leaves are palmately three-lobed with serrated edges. They are green at first but turn red in autumn.

● Two common species in the Liquidambar genus
There are two species commonly seen in the Liquidambar genus. One is Liquidambar styraciflua, often called American Sweetgum or "Momijiba-fuu" (Maple-leaf Sweetgum), which has palmately lobed leaves.
The other is Liquidambar formosana, with triangular-shaped leaves, commonly referred to simply as "Fuu".

● Similar Trees
Liquidambar and Acer (maples) are similar. Both are deciduous tall trees that turn red in autumn. How can we tell them apart?

● Differences between Liquidambar and Acer
Liquidambar belongs to the order Saxifragales, family Altingiaceae, genus Liquidambar,
while Acer belongs to the order Sapindales, family Sapindaceae, genus Acer.
Liquidambar leaves are arranged alternately, while Acer leaves are opposite.
Liquidambar produces spherical aggregate fruits, whereas Acer fruits are winged and shaped like propellers.

Common Name: Taiwan Sweetgum (Taiwan Fuu)
Scientific Name: Liquidambar formosana
Other Names: Fuu, Sankakuba-fuu (Triangular-leaf Sweetgum)
Classification: Kingdom Plantae, Phylum Angiosperms, Class Dicotyledons, Order Saxifragales, Family Altingiaceae, Genus Liquidambar
Origin: Taiwan
Habitat: Moist environments
Life Form: Deciduous tall tree
Tree Height: 20 m
Leaf Shape: Palmately three-lobed
Leaf Margin: Serrated
Leaf Color: Green → Red (in autumn)
Sexuality: Monoecious
Blooming Season: Spring
Leaf and Flower Appearance: Simultaneous
Flower Shape: Both male and female flowers are spherical
Perianth: Absent
Fruiting Season: Autumn
Fruit Type: Aggregate fruit
Fruit Shape: Spherical with spines
Fruit Color: Brown
Uses: Park tree, street tree, garden tree
Note: Produces resin