Common Name: Encens

General Information

Encens is an evergreen tree growing up to 27 metres tall, The straight, cylindrical bole is nearly unbuttressed and up to 60cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its aromatic resin and timber which are widely used locally.
Over-exploitation for resin and timber has reportedly decimated this species across most of its restricted range, including Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. On Martinique, one of the largest islands within its range, fewer than 50 individuals remain. Precise information on populations is lacking and so the plant is classified as 'Data Deficient' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Caribbean - Trinidad to Guadeloupe.

Habitat

Rainforests on a range of soils and sites[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Data Deficient
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	20.00 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Most, if not all, species in this genus are dioecious, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An aromatic resin is derived from the bark. It is widely used locally as an incense in churches and household shrines.

The heartwood is pink; the sapwood white. The grain is uniform and fine, texture is fine[]. The wood is relatively soft; light; fairly elastic; splits easily; of low durability, succumbing very quickly to insects or decay[]. It works easily and well with all power and hand tools; planes to a smooth lustrous surface; saws easily across the grain but leaves a rough edge; drills easily, and takes nails without splitting[]. The wood polishes well and is very attractive when finished, resembling mahogany when well finished[]. It is used for furniture, cabinetmaking, interior panelling and trim, and other uses where a durable timber is not required. It is also used for boxes and crates[].

Propagation

Seed -

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