Boswellia , also called olibanum, is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia. It is used in incense as well as in perfumes.There are numerous species and varieties of frankincense trees, each producing a slightly different type of resin. Differences in soil and climate create even more diversity of the resin, even within the same species.

Boswellia trees are also considered unusual for their ability to grow in environments so unforgiving that they sometimes seem to grow directly out of solid rock. The trees start producing resin when they are about 8 to 10 years old.Tapping is done 2 to 3 times a year with the final taps producing the best tears due to their higher aromatic terpene, sesquiterpene and diterpene content.