The aromatic resin produced from this plant has been prized since antiquity and is the precious commodity known as frankincense, well known for its association with the Biblical account as among the treasures brought by the Magi to celebrate the birth of Christ. The plant is native to Somalia, Arabia, and Oman where it is loosely cultivated to this day for a variety of uses but the resin is primarily burned as incense in religious ceremonies. It also happens to be a small tree in the Burseraceae with interesting branching character, and peeling, parchment-like bark. It is well suited to cultivation in desert environments where frosts are limited. Gene Joseph of Plants for the Southwest has had success growing and propagating the plant from seed in his climate of Tucson, AZ, and has provided this crop for distribution through ISI. We offer HBG 145785, plants from seed sown in July, 2023. $45.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 97 (2), Summer 2025