Contents
1. Description
Liquidambar Acalycina, also known as the Chinese Sweet Gum, is a deciduous tree species that originates in China. It is part of the Liquidambar genus and the Altingiaceae family. The tree typically grows up to 20-25 feet tall, with a spread of 15-20 feet. It is known for its unique appearance, with a distinctive bark that has corky ridges and deep furrows, and its glossy, star-shaped leaves that turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall.
2. Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Altingiaceae |
| Genus | Liquidambar |
3. Appearance
Liquidambar Acalycina has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other tree species. The tree has a straight trunk with a pyramidal or oval-shaped crown. The bark is grayish-brown with corky ridges and deep furrows that give it a distinctive texture. The leaves are glossy and star-shaped, with three to seven lobes and serrated edges. In the spring and summer, the leaves are a bright green color, while in the fall, they turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
4. Care Guide
Liquidambar Acalycina is a low-maintenance tree species that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you grow and care for your Chinese Sweet Gum:
- Water: Water your tree regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your tree once a year, preferably in the spring. Use a balanced fertilizer that is specifically formulated for trees.
- Soil: Liquidambar Acalycina prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Make sure the soil is not too alkaline or too acidic.
- Sunlight: The Chinese Sweet Gum prefers full sun to partial shade. Make sure your tree is planted in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Liquidambar Acalycina is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
5. Common Pests & Diseases
Like all tree species, Liquidambar Acalycina is susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones to watch out for:
- Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects can suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to curl and distort. Use an insecticidal soap to control aphids.
- Scale insects: These small, oval-shaped insects can attach themselves to the leaves and branches and suck the sap from the tree. Use a horticultural oil to control scale insects.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating to form on the leaves. Use a fungicide to control powdery mildew.
- Canker: This fungal disease can cause sunken, discolored areas on the bark and can eventually kill the tree. Remove infected branches and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread.
6. Habitat
Liquidambar Acalycina is native to China, where it grows in mountains and valleys at elevations of up to 8,000 feet. The tree prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of temperatures and humidity levels. It is often planted as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks, as well as along streets and in urban areas.
7. Question and Answer
Q1: How fast does Liquidambar Acalycina grow?
A1: Liquidambar Acalycina is a slow-growing tree species, but it can reach a height of 20-25 feet in about 10 years.
Q2: When should I prune my Chinese Sweet Gum?
A2: Liquidambar Acalycina should be pruned in the late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
Q3: Can I grow Liquidambar Acalycina in a container?
A3: While it is possible to grow Liquidambar Acalycina in a container, it is not recommended. The tree has a deep root system and prefers to grow in the ground.
Q4: How do I propagate Liquidambar Acalycina?
A4: Liquidambar Acalycina can be propagated by seed or by taking softwood cuttings in the spring. Seeds should be sown in the fall, while cuttings should be taken from young, healthy growth and rooted in a rooting hormone.
8. Related Plants
- Liquidambar Styraciflua
- Liquidambar Orientalis
- Liquidambar Formosana
- Liquidambar Trattinickii
9. References
- “Liquidambar acalycina.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=246922.
- “Liquidambar acalycina.” PlantFiles, www.garden.org/plants/view/104782/Liquidambar-acalycina/.
- “Chinese Sweet Gum.” The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/chinese-sweet-gum.
