Styrax officinalis

Styrax officinalis is an evergreen large shrub or small tree that grows wild in Israel. It is very common in groves in the north and the Judean Hills. The tree trunk is gray with a scaly texture. The tree’s foliage is fresh and green. The tree’s leaves are glabrous with whitish bottoms. In fall, the leaves turn yellow and create an impressive appearance. The tree flowers at the end of spring and toward summer with clusters of white flowers dangling from the ends of the branches. The center of the flowers is yellow. The flowering appearance is significant and prominent and it is very reminiscent of citrus flowers. The tree’s flowering is fragrant and serves as an important bee pasture. Styrax officinalis is known in Israel for its white flowers. The tree bears fruits, greenish-yellowish berries that contain a very poisonous pit. It adapts easily and will succeed in different types of soil and different climates. It will struggle in the Jordan Valley and Aravah. As befits an Israeli plant, it requires minimal water. It would be a great addition to parks and gardens designed in the Israeli grove style.

Interestingly, Styrax officinalis is mentioned in the Bible, though it is unclear whether the Hebrew refers to the plant that bears the same name today. In ancient times, it was considered to have medicinal uses, but today is mainly considered poisonous. The fragrant tree resin is used in the cosmetics industry.