Description

Boswellia serrata, the Indian frankincense tree, is a medium-sized deciduous tree of the family Burseraceae, endemic to the dry, rocky deciduous forests of peninsular India, with significant populations in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and the Deccan Plateau. The tree grows characteristically on rocky hillside soils with thin, papery, peeling bark and produces pinnately compound leaves. Oleogum resin is obtained by making incisions into the trunk, yielding aromatic lumps containing boswellic acids. Documented in the Sushruta Samhita as Shallaki, the resin has been traditionally incorporated into Ayurvedic formulations for conditions affecting bones, joints, and muscles. The species is also revered in Vedic ritual traditions and is related to the species used in Biblical frankincense.