Plant · P-910

Frankincense

Boswellia sacra

Frankincense is a small, multi-stemmed tree of dry mountain slopes and desert woodland from the Horn of Africa to Oman. Cuts in the bark release an aromatic oleo-gum-resin, harvested year-round and traditionally cut in the hottest, driest months, then burned as incense, distilled into oil for perfumery and skin care, or chewed as a food flavoring. It grows in full sun on shallow, well-drained, rocky or sandy ground and tolerates long spells without rain once established.