Common Name: Frankincense

General Information

Boswellia sacra is a small evergreen tree growing up to 8 metres tall, though usually smaller.
The plant has a very long history of human use, with evidence to show it being employed by the ancient Egyptians over 3,500 years ago[]. It is often cultivated and harvested from the wild for its aromatic resin[].
In Oman the tree is so heavily browsed that it rarely flowers or sets seed. Trees appear to be dying and regeneration is poor. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Northeastern Tropical Africa - Somalia to Yemen and Oman.

Habitat

Dry, mountainous regions[]. Desert woodland[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	4.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a well-drained, dry soil in full sun[].
The resin exudes naturally from the bark and can be harvested all year round, though the finest quality is harvested during the hottest and driest months[].

Edible Uses

An aromatic resin is obtained from the plant. It can be chewed, or manufactured into an essential oil that is used as a flavouring in a wide range of foods[].

Medicinal

The oleo-resin is a bitter, pungent, warming herb that stimulates the circulation, calms the nerves and has antiseptic, expectorant and decongestant properties[]. It is used in various medical traditions, including traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Ayurvedic and western herbalism[].
It is used to treat a variety of complaints including bronchial and urinary infections in western herbalism, menstrual problems, skin complaints and mouth wash in China and as a rejuvenating tonic in Ayurveda[].
It is used in aromatherapy for relieving anxiety[].

Other Uses

An oleo-resin gum exudes naturally from the bark[]. Burnt as an incense and also used in perfumery[]. It is also an ingredient of anti-wrinkle skin creams[]. Most resin is obtained by making deliberate incisions into the bark of the tree. The milky liquid that exudes hardens on exposure to air into droplets or 'tears' which are then easily detached by the collector. Occasionally, some tears are produced by accidental injury or from splits which occur in the stems or branches of the tree

Propagation

Seed -
Cuttings of half-ripe wood[].

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