Family: Burseraceae
Scientific name: Boswellia sacra
Common name: Frankincense tree / Olibanum tree
Origin: Oman, Yemen
Frankincense is known to everyone, but did you know that is extracted from the frankincense tree? The fragrant resin is produced in the bark of this tree against wounds and can be harvested for use as incense. However, this beautiful tree is threatened in its existence due to among others the rapid advance of agricultural areas, forest fires and logging. Climate change, mismanagement and the lack of regeneration don’t help preserving this species either. You can keep the frankincense tree as a houseplant or place it outside in a sheltered, sunny spot during summer. The minimum temperature for the species lies between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius, but it’s best that you keep the plant at a temperature of at least 15 degrees.
Sowing description:
The germination percentage of the frankincense tree is low, around 10%. This is also a reason why new recruits are missing in nature. Nevertheless, you should try it, because there certainly are seeds which will germinate. To achieve the best germination, you should soak the seeds in water for 24 hours in room temperature, and then sow them in sowing mix at a temperature of 25-30 degrees Celsius. The seeds only have to be very lightly covered with soil. It’s best to spray some water on the soil every morning, so that the upper lay becomes moist. This can dry up later in the afternoon or evening, after which you water the soil again in the morning. On this way, you can simulate the morning fog that often comes up in its original habitat. Good luck!
Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Challenging
Minimum temperature: 15 degrees Celsius
Photo 2: Maria via Flickr
