Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Frankincense Boswellia carteri tree that produces frankincense, growing inside Biosphere 2. Frankincense, also known as olibanum (/ oʊ ˈ l ɪ b ə n ə m /), [1] is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes, obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae. The word is from Old French franc encens ('high-quality ...
The fruit of the Boswellia sacra tree is a capsule approximately 1 cm (0.39 in) long. On a steep slope, individual Boswellia sacra trees usually develop buttress roots that extends from the roots up into the base of the stem, which forms a cushion that adheres to the rock and ensures the stability of the tree.
Boswellia is a genus of trees in the order Sapindales, known for its fragrant resin.The biblical incense frankincense is an extract from the resin of the tree Boswellia sacra, and is now produced also from B. frereana. [3]
The best frankincense is grown in Oman and the incense is widely used in worship in India. [19] The ancient Egyptians prized frankincense for the resin they used to make the characteristic dark eyeliner and myrrh as an embalming agent for deceased pharaohs. [19] [20] At that time, myrrh was worth more than gold.
In the West B. frereana is called "Coptic Frankincense" as this is the type and grade used by the Coptic Church of Egypt. 80% of B. frereana production is sold to Saudi Arabia where it is traditionally brought home by Muslim pilgrims. The remaining 20% is sold all around the world.
Boswellia papyrifera, also known as the Sudanese frankincense, [2] is a species of flowering plant and frankincense that is native to Ethiopia, Eritrea and Sudan. The tree is cultivated in Ethiopia because of its valuable resin. The incense is characterized by a fresh lemon-pine scent [3] and is therefore highly esteemed.
Boswellia serrata is a plant that produces Indian frankincense. The plant is native to much of India and the Punjab region that extends into Pakistan . [ 1 ]
The incense trade route was an ancient network of major land and sea trading routes linking the Mediterranean world with eastern and southern sources of incense, spices and other luxury goods, stretching from Mediterranean ports across the Levant and Egypt through Northern East Africa and Arabia to India and beyond.