Benzoe (Styrax benzoin, Styrax tonkinensis)

Other names: Benzoin

Benzoe is a tree that originated in Southeast Asia and West Sumatra. There are two main commercially valuable varieties of this tree, namely Styrax benzoin and Styrax tonkinensis. Styrax benzoin is known as Sumatran benzoin, while Styrax tonkinensis is nicknamed Siamese or Laotian benzoin. Trees of both varieties are known for their ability to produce a resin that is highly valued in various industries.

The resin from these trees, also referred to as benzoe, is widely used in a number of products. For example, the highly aromatic, sweet-smelling resin is used in perfumery, where it is used for its warm tone and ability to enhance other fragrances. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties also make it a component of some medicines and cosmetics. In the past, benzoin was also used in the food industry as a preservative, but this practice is less common today. It is also used in product photography, where the resin is burned to create a fine smoke to achieve specific effects.