STORAX

any of about 100 species of the genus Styrax, shrubs and trees of the family Styracaceae, mostly in tropical or warm regions. The deciduous leaves are alternate and short-stalked. The white flowers, usually borne in pendulous terminal clusters, have a five-lobed corolla (the petals, collectively). Among the best known cultivated species are Styrax japonicum (Japanese snowbell), native to East Asia and growing to about 9 metres (30 feet) tall; S. obassia (fragrant snowbell), native to Japan and growing to about 9 m; S. americana, native to southeastern North America and growing from 1.8 to 2.7 m; and S. officinalis (snowdrop bush), native to eastern Europe and Asia Minor and growing to about 6 m. A resin known as storax, used in incense, was formerly obtained from S. officinalis.