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Siam benzoin
Scientific Name: Styrax benzoides
Family: Styracaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Benzoin Resin: Aromatic Gum from Styrax Trees
Benzoin resin is a balsamic resin obtained from the bark of several species of Styrax trees. It's primarily known for its use in incense and perfumery.
Considerations for Pets
- Benzoin is derived as a sap or gum resin.
Common Names and Scientific Names
- Scientific Name: The text mentions several Styrax species, including Styrax tonkinensis and Styrax benzoin.
- Common Names: Benzoin resin, Gum Benjamin, Siam Benzoin, Sumatra Benzoin, Gum Benzoin, Benzoin Laos, Benzoin aliboufier, Thai Benzoin, loban, kemenyan, gum benjamin tree, gum styrax benzoin.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Styrax
- Synonyms: The text explicitly mentions "Gum Benjamin" as a synonym and implies others through the common names.
Distribution and Habitat
- Benzoin resins are sourced from Southeast Asia, specifically mentioning Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sumatra, and Java.
- Styrax tonkinensis (yielding Siam Benzoin) is found across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, with Laos being specifically highlighted.
- Styrax benzoin is associated with Sumatra.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- One source describes the tree from which benzoin Laos or Siam benzoin is derived as a "large tree that looks like a birch."
- The resin is obtained by making incisions in the bark of the trees.
Quirky Facts
- Thai benzoin is described as having a "highly Venus nature with a wonderful vanilla scent when raw."
- The "almond" grade of Siam benzoin is considered the best quality.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Benzoin is an oil extracted from the Styrax Benzoin tree, produced by the tree in response to deliberate damage.
Resources and Further Information
- Sigma-Aldrich is mentioned as a supplier of Benzoin resin absolute.
- Maya Ethnobotanicals is listed as a resource.
- J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Nov 1554(23):8848-54. Characterization of the chemical composition of a byproduct from siam benzoin gum.
Varieties of Benzoin
- Siam Benzoin: Obtained from Styrax tonkinensis. Known for its vanilla-like aroma. Often considered higher quality with fewer impurities.
- Sumatra Benzoin: Obtained from Styrax benzoin.
Uses
- Benzoin resin is used in incense, perfumery, and varnishes (specifically for violins).