Boswellia serrata (Indian Frankincense) is a deciduous tree that is native to India and Pakistan. Indian Frankincense is one of four species of trees that produces the resin that is used around the world for religious rituals, burning incense and traditional medicines. It is also a popular essential oil for use in aromatherapy.
Suitable for Temperate and Sub-Tropical climates.
There are four main species of Boswellia that is used to produce the gum resin that is used as Frankincense. The other three include Boswellia sacra from southern Arabia, Boswellia papyrifera of Sudan and Ethiopia and Boswellia frereana which is native to the Horn of Africa and responsible for producing the most Frankincense resin.
Boswellia serrata is not only unique in that it is from India, but that it also tolerates cooler climates than the other varieties.
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Growth
Boswellia serrata is a deciduous tree that reaches a maximum height of 15 metres (49 feet) and can up to 3 metres (10 feet) wide. Indian Frankincense grows in poor soils and is moderately drought tolerant. Younger seedlings require protection from temperatures lower than 10°C / 50°F but after their first full season will withstand light frosts.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Burseraceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
0-45°C / 32-114°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 15m (49 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 3m (10 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
8-10 years
GERMINATION RATES:
45-60%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak for 12 hours and then 21-28 days at temperatures between 20-25°C / 68-77°F.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 20
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
The gum is the only edible part.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 1 years.
FACTS ABOUT BOSWELLIA SERRATA (Indian Frankincense)
Boswellia is an aromatic gum resin containing an oil that is used in incense and perfumes. A mature tree can produce between 1-1.5kg of resin per year.
Frankincense was highly valued in ancient times during worship and for a range of traditional medicine purposes.
Along with Gold and Myrrh, Frankincense was one of the three gifts given to Jesus by the Magi.
The word ‘Frankincense’ is taken from an Old French expression, franc encens, which means true incense. Frankincense has been used in traditional medicines around the world for the treatment of blood circulation, inflammation, pain relief, joints, skin health and headaches.
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