Liquidambar orientalis
Liquidambar orientalis

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Lower Risk
Naturalised in a similar climateProduces copious viable seed or propagulesSpread long distances by wind

Liquidambar orientalis (Oriental Sweetgum; Turkish Sweetgum)

(Liquidambar imberbis)

This deciduous tree is native to the eastern Mediterranean including SW Turkey and the Aegean Islands. Despite being in the ornamental trade in Australia since 1964, the species has not naturalised in Australia. Oriental Sweetgum is recorded as naturalised in Cyprus. There is no evidence Oriental Sweetgum is invasive in areas outside its native range. Reproduction is via seed. The fruit is a spiny woody capsule, containing many seeds. The lightweight seeds are dispersed by wind and animals. Oriental Sweetgum grows up to 30m tall and has 5 lobed glossy leaves with an attractive autumn display.