Ethiopian Frankincense
Boswellia rivae
Family: Burseraceae
What it is like
A spreading shrub or small tree. It grows 7 m tall. The bark is yellow to grey. The leaves are narrowly oval and 18 cm long. There are 11-19 leaflets. These are 7-23 mm long by 3-12 mm wide. There can be teeth along the edge. There flowers are in small groups. The fruit is a capsule with 3 or 4 cells. They are angular or pear shaped and 2-3 cm long by about 1 cm wide. The stones are rough and have horns.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows between 200-920 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia
How it is used for food
The resin is chewed.
Edible parts
Gum
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Beyo, Mirafur, Muqlay, Murchen, Qra