The Indian frankincense tree, like other Boswellia species, is known for producing natural incense. Incense is made from the fragrant resin released when the trunk is damaged. Harvesting takes place only after about 8-10 years of growth, as growth is slow and thus it takes a while for the tree to produce resin. Even then, a single tree produces only 1 to 1.5 kg of resin per year, making natural incense an expensive product. Besides being left to burn for fragrance, this incense also has medicinal uses in India. Among other things, it is used as a treatment for forms of arthritis. Unfortunately, Indian frankincense, like the common frankincense tree in Oman and Yemen (Boswellia sacra), is threatened by the rapid expansion of unsustainable agriculture and over-harvesting or complete harvesting of the trees. Natural populations occur in the very dry deciduous forests of India and Pakistan. There, the tree can grow up to about 15 metres tall.
The species can be kept well as a houseplant and can be taken outside in summer if necessary. The minimum temperature for the species is between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius, but the plant is best kept at at least 15 degC. Older plants are more resistant to low temperatures and drought, but young plants are best given more water and higher temperatures. The tree can be grown on very poor sandy soils, which is why the species is also used in projects against desertification.
Sowing description: Sow the seeds in sowing soil at a temperature of about 25-30 degrees Celsius. Keep the soil constantly slightly moist. Germination can take several months and is difficult. However, it is a challenge worth the effort!
