Boswellia Serrata

Botanical name– Boswellia serrata

Common Name – Salai guggal

Habit

• Deciduous tree
• Medium to Large
• Moderate growth
  
  

Specific Properties

• Tree remains leafless during the entire period of flowering and fruiting
• Due to market demands, over harvesting and unsustainable managing practices, Indian frankincense’s wild populations has declined drastically.
• India is the only producer of B. serrata globally.
  
  

Ecology

• Pollen and nectar for birds, bees
• The giant Asian honeybee & Indian honeybee are pollinators
  
  

Uses

• Source of most important gum-resin called ‘salai guggul’ or ‘Indian olibanum”, used in incense ( Dhoop)
• Used in treatment of inflammatory diseases, osteoarthritis, chronic bowel diseases, edema, pain and bronchial asthma
• Fodder and timber
  
  

Propagation

• Seeds