Frankincense
Boswellia sacra

Family: Burseraceae

What it is like

An evergreen tree. It grows 2-5 m tall and spreads 1-3 m wide. The bark is papery and peeling. The tree produces resin. The leaves are divided into leaflets along the stalk and occur in clusters. The flowers are small and creamy white. They have 5 petals. The fruit is a 3-5 angled red-brown capsule.

It is the frankincense mentioned in the Bible.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It needs a temperature above 10-15°C. In Africa it grows below 1,230 m above sea level. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 100-500 mm. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Arabia, Asia, East Africa, Egypt, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, Oman, Somalia, Yemen

How it is used for food

The resin is chewed or made into an oil used to flavour candy, baked goods, ice cream and drinks. The skin is taken off the roots and they are eaten raw or used for drinks.

Edible parts

Resin, oil, roots

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by semi-ripe cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Mohr, Moxor, Olibanum

Synonyms

Boswellia carterii Birdw.; Boswellia carteri Birdw. var. subintegra Engl.; Boswellia carteri Birdw. var. undulato-crenata Engl.; Boswellia undulato-crenata (Engl.) Engl.;