Sweet Gum  -  Liquidambar styraciflua

This tree is originates from south-eastern USA to Mexico, and was first brought over to Britain in 1681. As with the Persian Ironwood, it produces absolutely stunning autumn colours  -  one individual tree can display yellow, orange, red and purple leaves, all at the same time.

A Spanish naturalist, who first described the tree in Mexico, called it 'Liquid Amber', due to the texture and colour of the gum the tree produces. These two words were put together to make the genus part of the Latin name. This gum has been used for salves, perfumes, adhesives and incense.