Altingiaceae

Altingiaceae is a small family of flowering plants in the order Saxifragales. It contains only three species, all belonging to the genus Altingia. These species are native to eastern Asia and Central America. The most well-known member of the family is Liquidambar formosana, commonly known as the Formosan gum or Taiwanese sweetgum. Other species include Altingia chinensis and Altingia gracilipes.

Plants in the Altingiaceae family are trees. They are characterized by their aromatic sap, which is often resinous. Their leaves are typically palmately lobed, resembling those of the related genus Liquidambar in the family Hamamelidaceae, with which Altingiaceae was formerly often classified. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, lacking petals and being borne in dense heads. The fruit is a woody capsule. These trees are often found in temperate forests. Their wood is used for various purposes, and the aromatic resin has traditional medicinal uses in some regions. The family's classification has undergone changes, with its placement within Saxifragales reflecting a modern understanding of plant evolutionary relationships.