Storax is produced by the trees as a pathological product in response to bark damage.
American or Honduras storax Liquidambar styraciflua is occasionally planted as an ornamental tree for its autumn leaf colouration. This species is also sometimes grown as a bonsai, an artificially stunted natural art form. Storax obtained from members of this family may cause contact dermatitis, apparently as a result of its content of cinnamate esters and related aromatic compounds. It is a constituent of Compound Benzoin Tincture B.P.C. and other pharmaceuticals used externally. The timber from this species is known in the trade as liquidambar, amberwood, satin walnut, satinwood, American red gum, sweet gum, hazel pine, or bilsted.