Indian frankincense, Indian olibanum-tree
Boswellia serrata

Family: Burseraceae

What it is like

A medium sized deciduous tree. It grows 9-15 m high. The bark is thin and a greenish-grey colour. It peels off in thin flakes. It gives drops of pink resin when cut. The leaves are 20-45 cm long and are at the ends of branches. There are 17-31 leaflets and these are 3-8 cm long by 1-1.5 cm wide. They are sword shaped and have rounded teeth along the edge. The flowers are white. There are 5-7 sepals and petals. The fruit is 1.5 cm long and is 3 angled with 3 valves. There are 3 heart shaped 1 seeded nuts.

There are 24 Boswellia species. The gum has a smell and is used in incense.

Where it is found

A tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India

How it is used for food

The flowers and seeds are eaten. A soup is made from the fruit. They are also pickled. It can also be used to make an edible gum.

It is a famine food.

Edible parts

Flowers, seeds, fruit, sap, nuts, gum

How it is grown

In the Ghats in India fruit are available February to June.

Its other names

Local names

Dhupali, Guggulumaram, Kadhai, Kunduru, Madi, Maddimara, Mukul-salai, Parangi saambraani, Parangisambrani, Salai, Saleha, Sallaki

Synonyms

Boswellia glabra Roxb.;