Frankincense Tree

Plant Bio

The Frankincense Tree, scientifically known as Boswellia sacra, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to the Arabian Peninsula and northeastern Africa. It is famous for producing frankincense, a resin with various cultural, medicinal, and aromatic uses. Here is a description and care guide for the Frankincense Tree:

Description:

Size: The Frankincense Tree typically grows to a height of 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters), although some specimens can reach up to 30 feet (9 meters) in optimal conditions. It has a distinctive, irregularly shaped canopy with slender branches.

Bark: The bark of the tree is pale grey or reddish-brown and can peel in thin papery layers.

Leaves: The leaves are composed of multiple leaflets that are arranged in a pinnate or feather-like fashion. The leaflets are small, oval-shaped, and alternate along the stem.

Flowers: Frankincense Trees produce small, white or pale pink flowers with five petals. The flowers are typically clustered at the branch ends and have a pleasant fragrance.

Resin: The primary attraction of the Frankincense Tree is the resin it produces. The resin forms as small teardrop-shaped droplets on the bark, which are harvested and dried to make frankincense.