Snowdrop Bush

Appearance

"Styrax officinalis" is a deciduous shrub reaching a height of 2–5 metres. It has a simple, relaxed form, with very thin elliptical leaves 5–10 cm long and 3.5–5.5 cm wide, alternate and widely spaced on thin, reddish stems, with a tight, dark bark on basal stems. A small very light green, stalked axillary bud is associated with each leaf.

The inflorescence is short and few-flowered. The flowers are axillary, bell-shaped, white and fragrant, about 2 cm long. The corolla has 5–7 petals and many yellow anthers, the calyx is 5-lobed. Flowering period extends from spring to summer.

Naming

"Styrax officinalis" subsp. "redidivus", "Styrax officinalis" subsp. "fulvescens" and "Styrax officinalis" subsp. "jaliscana", were included here, but recent molecular analysis has suggested that they may be diverged to the point of being separate species.

Distribution

This species is native to southern Europe and the Middle East. It prefers dry rocky slopes, woods and thickets at an elevation up to 1,500 metres above sea level.

Uses

This plant is the "official" source of styrax, an herbal medicine known from ancient times. Some believe its oleoresin to have been the stacte used together with frankincense, galbanum, and onycha to make Ketoret, the Tabernacle incense of the Old Testament.