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Dried balsam (or resin) of the Sweetgum, called storax, is currently used to flavor soft drinks, tobacco, candy, and chewing gum and to scent perfumes. The source of this is Central America; Guatemala and Honduras produce most commercial balsam. It’s the same tree, Liquidambar styraciflua, as the one that enhances the Virginia countryside.
Many years ago, I was in the mountains of northeastern Mexico. There, in the northernmost cloud forest on the North American continent, I found a giant Sweetgum tree. Nourished by the water-saturated air, it had grown into a magnificent size. It was a noble tree and made me homesick for the Virginia countryside.
There are two splendid Sweetgums growing near the Post Office building in Washington, Virginia. Were they planted there? If so, I am grateful to whoever had the idea of decorating the center of town with a Sweetgum tree that displays splendor in all seasons.
Virginia naturalist John Trott may be reached at: PO. Box 59, Washington, Va., 22747.
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