Boswellia serrata Roxb. Ex Coleb.: A Threatened Tree

Abstract

Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Coleb. is commonly known as Indian Olibanum or Indian Frankincense tree.  It belongs to the family Burseraceae.  The tree is confined to Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest of India.  It grows at altitudes up to 1,150 m in regions with annual temperatures between 0-45°C and annual rainfall between 500-2,000 mm.   B. serrata has been listed in the threatened species of India. The principal threats of this species are slow growth coupled with poor regeneration. However, the population trends and habitat trends are stable.  Due to its exudations of volatile oil, resin and gum, the tree has attained commercial significance. The oil obtained from this tree is very similar to turpentine oil and found suitable for paint making, varnish and used as printing ink in textile industries and in making distempers. It is a unique non coniferous source of turpentine employed for the manufacture of paints and varnishes. The resin obtained from this tree is used for preparation of varnishes. The tree exudes of B. serrata resembles Canada balsam in colour and consistency. It is mainly used for medicinal purposes and incense. A detailed review covering its taxonomy and nomenclature, distribution in India, reproductive biology, wood properties, processing and harvesting, genetic resources available, reasons for its deterioration, and its uses is presented in this article.