Liquidambar chinensis, commonly known as the mountain litchi, is a species of flowering plant in the family Altingiaceae. It is a tree native to China and Vietnam.
Liquidambar chinensis was first validly described in 1852. The IUCN lists the species as of Least Concern. The wood is used for construction, and in the production of essential oils.
Taxonomy Liquidambar chinensis was first validly described by George Bentham in 1852, in Hooker's Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany. Bentham attributed the name to John George Champion. The species was transferred to the genus Altingia in 1873.
Distribution Liquidambar chinensis is native to the wet tropical biome of China (south-central, south-east, and Hainan) and Vietnam. The species is widespread in China.
IThe species' total extent of occurrence is over , and it grows at elevations from .
Description Liquidambar chinensis is a tree that can grow up to high. The heartwood is hard, and the sapwood is thin and fine-grained.
Uses Liquidambar chinensis is used for timber. The timber is used in construction and ship-building. Essential oils derived from the wood are used in medicine and perfume.
Conservation In 2018, the IUCN assessed Liquidambar chinensis as of Least Concern. It occurs in regions where deforestation is common, but this is not considered a major threat.
In Vietnam, the species is classified as endangered.
Nomenclature In Chinese, the species is known as (), (), (), or (). In Vietnamese, it is known as or .
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