Abstract
The lack of knowledge about phenotypic variation in Styrax spp. is a major constraint to efforts aimed at improving its resin yield, adaptability, and sustainable utilization. This study assessed the morphological diversity of Styrax spp. populations collected from both Humbang Hasundutan and Tapanuli Utara Regencies, North Sumatra, Indonesia, using correlation analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC). Field exploration was conducted across different elevations and habitats to collect 57 accessions, which were characterized based on 13 morphological traits. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations among leaf cluster density, seed colour, and resin characteristics, while negative correlations were observed between crown density and resin aroma, and between time of defoliation and bark texture, indicating trade-offs between vegetative traits and resin quality. PCA explained 77.28% of total phenotypic variation, with crown density, leaf cluster density, and resin colour as major contributors, while AHC grouped the accessions into three distinct phenotypic clusters reflecting ecological adaptation and resin productivity. The integration of morphological and resin traits provides a practical framework for identifying representative accessions and understanding phenotypic structure within Styrax populations. Although this study is based on morphological characterization, the observed patterns may reflect underlying biological variation and provide a useful baseline for conservation planning and preliminary selection strategies. Future studies integrating molecular approaches are required to validate the genetic basis of the observed variation. These findings contribute to the development of informed strategies for sustainable benzoin production and conservation of Styrax resources.
Acknowledgements
The authors express their sincere gratitude to Herbal and Horticulture Science Techno Park (TSTH2), Del Institute of Technology, for providing financial support for the Styrax expedition in North Sumatra. The expedition was made possible through funding managed in collaboration with the Del Foundation.
Funding
Open access funding provided by University of Padjadjaran. Declaration. This work was supported by the Del Foundation through an internal research grant assigned to the to Herbal and Horticulture Science Techno Park (TSTH2), which operates under the same foundation. The funding constitutes the initial phase of a long-term program to explore the potential benefits of Styrax and to provide a scientific basis for developing derivative products. No contract number is associated with this internal grant.
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Fieldwork and plant material collection complied with all relevant institutional, national, and international guidelines, including CITES and IUCN regulations, under authorization from the Rector of Del Institute of Technology (Permit No. 453/IT Del/Rek/Adm/V/2025).
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Ustari, D., Wicaksono, A.A., Ismail, A. et al. Morphological diversity and phenotypic characterization of Styrax spp: Implications for conservation and breeding strategies. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-66856-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-66856-9