Day 5 #AdventBotany – resinous sap of Boswellia sacra (and other related species), from southern Arabia, called Arabia Felix for its providence in having such a valuable plant. Frankincense was arguably the fuel of the first global economy (ca. 500BC-500AD) and the ‘Land of Frankincense’ is now a World Heritage site (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1010). Famed in Christian cultures as the 2nd gift of the Magi to Christ.

Grade one Omani Frankincense
Grade one Omani Frankincense

Frankincense is a slow growing tree demanding warmth for good growth.

Cultivated Boswellia sacra in flower.
Cultivated Boswellia sacra in flower.

Further reading

To read about the possible health benefits follow this link.

For more on the Herbology Manchester collections see this link.

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