Styrax benzoin, commonly known as Gum Benjamin Tree, is a deciduous tree native to tropical forests in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Thailand. This species typically reaches a height of 7 feet (2.1 meters) and can spread up to 15 feet (5 meters) wide. The tree has a rounded form with drooping branches and produces clusters of fragrant, white, bell-shaped flowers in the late spring and early summer that are quite showy and attract pollinators.

The Gum Benjamin Tree is valued for its aromatic resin, known as benzoin, which is used in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicine. It is also appreciated for its ornamental qualities, including its attractive bark and the pleasant shade provided by its canopy. In cultivation, it prefers a humid environment and can tolerate full sun to part shade. It requires a high amount of water and thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. While it is not commonly found in the average garden, it can be used in tropical and subtropical landscapes as a specimen tree or for its aromatic properties.CC BY-SA 4.0