Is styrax a tree or a shrub?
A bit of knowledge to share with you whether styrax is a tree or a shrub and the difference between small trees and shrubs, please see the detailed introduction below.
The name "styrax" is quite peculiar, combining both "maple" and "poplar", is it a hybrid of the two?
In fact, it is not. The reason for this naming will be explained after introducing its morphology.
Styrax belongs to the Juglandaceae family and the styrax genus. What are its typical characteristics?
1. Deciduous tree, with a height of 18-30 meters.
2. Pinnate compound leaves, containing 10-28 small leaves.
3. The flowering period is from April to May, with small flowers forming catkins (resembling a caterpillar), which grow simultaneously with the leaves.
Styrax is monoecious, but the male and female inflorescences are separate: male inflorescences are singly borne in the axils of last year's old branches, 6-10 cm long; female inflorescences are singly borne at the tips of this year's new branches, 10-20 cm long. The ones that can bear fruit are, of course, the female inflorescences.
4. The fruiting period is mostly in summer, with fruits being "small samaras" - with two small wings, which are convenient for wind dispersal and resemble green moths. Due to developing from "catkins", many small samaras are arranged in a long string of "spicate fruit sequences" hanging on the tree, which is the most distinctive feature of styrax.
Finally, let's explain why this plant is called styrax.
It is because: "The winged fruits are like maples, and the catkins are like poplars" - the fruits of maple trees are also small samaras, and both poplars and willows have catkins. Everyone can observe and compare them in person in the future.
Therefore, styrax is also called maple willow.
Styrax is often used as an ornamental tree in Chinese gardens. Due to its graceful pinnate leaves and hanging spicate fruit sequences, its overall temperament is relatively gentle and similar to weeping willows. So when you encounter it, you can appreciate it and take photos for memories:)
This article shares a comprehensive introduction to whether styrax is a tree or a shrub and the differences between small trees and shrubs, hoping to bring some related knowledge of green plants to green plant enthusiasts.