Boswellia sacra FRANKINCENSE TREE (5 seeds)

Boswellia sacra, also known as the Frankincense Tree, is a deciduous tree that reaches a height of 2 to 4 meters. It may have one or several trunks and belongs to the Burseraceae family. It is highly drought-tolerant and originates from Yemen and Somalia.

The bark ranges from brownish to grayish in color, with a rough and fissured texture. It features longitudinal streaks and can peel off in flakes. This bark is not only a distinctive characteristic of the tree but also plays a crucial role in the production of frankincense, a highly prized aromatic resin.

Its leaves are compound, alternate, and elliptical to lanceolate in shape, measuring between 10 and 30 cm long. They are a brilliant green on top and slightly lighter underneath with a lustrous appearance. The leaf margins are serrated, and their texture is slightly leathery.

The tiny flowers are gathered in axillary clusters. They are white or cream-colored with pinkish nuances and consist of five delicate petals. Appearing in spring, they attract various pollinators with a subtle but pleasant fragrance.

The fruits are elongated capsules about 1 to 3 cm long. They contain several seeds and turn brown when ripe, usually by late summer.

Boswellia sacra seeds are yellow, with a rough texture and an angular shape.

- Properties / Uses:

Trees begin to produce resin when they are about 6 to 7 years old.

The fragrant resin, resembling a milky substance that coagulates upon contact with air, is extracted by making a small deep incision on the trunk or branches of the tree or by removing part of the bark.

Its resin has been used for millennia for various properties:

The scented sap is extracted from the Boswellia to make frankincense, hence its common name "frankincense tree."

In Ayurvedic medicine, this resin was used to treat various ailments.

Do not consume without the medical advice of a healthcare professional.

It is prized for its pleasant fragrance and is often used for meditation or during religious or spiritual ceremonies. It brings a soothing and relaxing atmosphere.

Recent studies have indicated that its populations are declining due to agricultural overexploitation.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The ideal period to sow the Frankincense Tree is from June to July when the weather is very hot.
• Soak the seeds in warm water for 12 hours, then let them dry.
• Sow them promptly in a mixture of fine potting soil and sand at a depth of 2 to 3 millimeters.
• Water delicately with a hand sprayer.
• Place the seedling tray in a very hot location at a temperature between 35 and 40°C.
• Germination generally begins 4 to 8 weeks after sowing.

- Substrate / Soil Type:

It requires a well-draining substrate. A mix of light potting soil, sand, and gravel is ideal to encourage drainage while allowing the roots to anchor correctly.

- Exposure and Light:

This tree loves bright light and requires full sun to flourish. It should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light per day. While it can handle partial sun, excessive shade will hinder its growth and resin production.

- Temperature and Hardiness:

Coming from hot and arid regions, it prefers high temperatures between 25 and 35°C. It is not hardy and is sensitive to frost; it must be protected from temperatures below 5°C. In winter, it is advisable to keep it in a warm location.

- Watering:

Watering should be moderate. It is vital to let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. During active growth, watering every 10 to 14 days is usually sufficient; in winter, this can be reduced to once a month. It prefers a desert-like environment.

- Pests and Diseases:

Pests: Bark beetles can attack the wood, causing structural damage. Some beetle larvae bore tunnels into the trunk, weakening the tree.

Diseases: It is susceptible to fungal infections like root rot, especially in poorly drained soil. Bacterial diseases may also cause yellowing or premature leaf drop.