Coptic frankincense, African elemi
Boswellia frereana
Family: Burseraceae
What it is like
A small tree. The bark is peeling. It has a sticky aromatic resin. The flowers have 5 petals. The fruit is a capsule. It is brown and has a small brown nutlet inside.
There are 24 Boswellia species. It has anti-inflammatory properties against osteoarthritis.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Middle East, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Yemen
How it is used for food
The resin is chewed.
Edible parts
Sap, gum
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Maidi, Maydi, Meydi, Yagar, Yagcar, Yigaar