Frankincense

Boswellia sacra

SIZE AND DESCRIPTION

Evergreen shrub or small, papery-barked tree to 6m tall. Leaves are pinnate, with spike-like clusters of small, waxy white flowers in their axils.

DISTRIBUTION

Native to Somalia and Arabia. Recent studies have indicated that the trees are declining because of overexploitation.

USES

A major ingredient of sacred incense, known to have been employed since ancient times by cultures including the Egyptians, Babylonians and ancient Greeks. Frankincense is extracted from the gum-like resin of several closely related species, of which this is one of the most important. When employed in aromatherapy, the oil is usually blended with other oils, and used for wounds, scars, and bacterial and fungal infections. Frankincense oil is also used as an ingredient in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes.