A small genus of trees with a remarkably scattered distribution in nature; one species being found in Asia Minor, one in eastern N. America, and one or more in China and Formosa. In general appearance they bear most resemblance to the maples (Acer), but are easily distinguished by their alternate, not opposite leaves. The flowers have no beauty, being greenish or yellowish, and borne in small globose heads. Male and female flowers are in separate heads, the male flower-heads in short racemes; the female heads solitary. The male flowers consist of stamens only, the females of calyx and carpel only. The best known and most useful of liquidambars is L. styraciflua, which, like the rest, should, if possible, be raised from imported seeds. These frequently do not germinate until the second year. Failing them, layering must be resorted to. Young plants are apt to be injured by late spring frosts.
From the Supplement (Vol. V)
This genus is placed by some authorities in the family Altingiaceae, which is intermediate between the Hamamelidaceae and Platanaceae. The only other member of this family is the tropical and subtropical genus Altingia of south-east Asia.