Botanical description
A deciduous tree that grows naturally in the north and south of Hijaz and in the northern regions, reaching a height of more than (6 meters), its double pinnate leaves consist of small dry leaflets that fall immediately. However, these trees have long primary leaf stalks (30-14 cm) in the form of leaf residues. The stem is brown in color, the flowers are reddish-white, and the fruit is a box (resembling mustard) that reaches a length of (40 cm) and opens after ripening and contains large, lightweight seeds that are gray in color and resemble pistachios.
Flowering
Flowering begins in early February, fruit set two months after flowering, flowering period is three and a half months, fruit collection begins in mid-June.
multiply
Easy to propagate by seed and does not require treatment before planting.
Benefits and Uses
A drought-tolerant tree, grown for ornamental purposes. Its wood is known for its resistance to termites. The famous frankincense oil is extracted from its seeds. It is used as a fixative for perfumes and in the cosmetics industry, in addition to its medicinal uses (diuretic, sexual stimulant, and treatment for joint tumors. All parts of this plant prevent tumors and catarrh, improve sweating, tone the body, and heal wounds. Its oil is beneficial for scabies, itching, melasma, and freckles. When mixed with water, honey, and vinegar, it cleanses the viscera and completely eliminates the spleen. Its seeds are also a coating that removes pimples, heals, and repairs hemorrhoids). A fixed oil similar in appearance to olive oil is extracted from the frankincense plant’s seeds and is used for eating. Its flowers are beloved by honeybees.