Liquidambar styraciflua ( TheSweet Gum Tree. )is a large tree that is valued for its pretty leaves and hard spiky fruits. they are a source of shikimic acid which is the active ingredient in medicines like Tamiflu®The prickly fruits are called gumballs, goblin balls, monkey balls and a number of other colorful names.Other folks dislike the tree because it doesn't make good firewood, since it is difficult to split and rots quickly. Likewise, some woodworkers aren’t fond of sweetgum because the w