Somalian Frankincense

Basic Information

Common Name: Somalian Frankincense
Scientific Name: Boswellia frereana
Native Habitat: Northeastern Somalia (primarily Bari and Sanaag regions, including the Shebelle Valley) and adjacent areas of Socotra Island (Yemen). It thrives in arid mountainous terrain, often on steep, rocky slopes.

History / Discovery / Cultivator

The history of frankincense, the aromatic resin produced by trees in the *Boswellia* genus, stretches back millennia, intertwined with the ancient world’s trade routes, religious practices, and medicinal knowledge. While *Boswellia frereana*, specifically known for producing ‘maydi’ or ‘maidi’ frankincense, might not have the same widespread ancient documentation as *Boswellia sacra* (which yields the Omani frankincense often associated with Biblical references), its resin was highly prized and traded alongside other varieties. The use of frankincense in the Horn of Africa is deeply rooted, predating written records. Archaeological evidence suggests trade in aromatic resins from this region to the Near East and Mediterranean civilizations was occurring as early as the Bronze Age.

*Boswellia frereana* is endemic primarily to the rugged, arid mountains of northeastern Somalia, a region historically known as Puntland and Somaliland. Its unique resin, ‘maydi’, is often considered distinct and superior to other frankincense types, particularly valued for its clean, lemony, or sometimes peppery scent and higher solubility in water. This high quality made ‘maydi’ a significant commodity in the historical frankincense trade, likely contributing to the wealth and prominence of the ancient kingdoms that controlled the routes from this part of Africa. The name “frankincense” itself derives from the Old French “franc encens,” meaning “high-quality incense,” highlighting the esteemed status of these resins.

The formal botanical classification and “discovery” by Western science came much later than its indigenous use. *Boswellia frereana* was scientifically described by British botanist Henry George Reichenbach Jr. in 1868. He named it in honor of Sir Bartle Frere, a British administrator and governor, reflecting the era of colonial exploration and botanical cataloging. This formal description brought the species to the attention of the wider scientific and commercial world outside of its traditional trade networks.

Cultivation of *Boswellia frereana* remains challenging and largely traditional. The trees grow in extremely harsh, rocky, and arid environments, making commercial plantation difficult. Harvesting the resin involves the ancient practice of ‘tapping’ – making incisions in the bark to allow the milky sap to exude and harden into tear-shaped ‘tears’. This process is labor-intensive and requires significant local knowledge passed down through generations. Families and communities in Somalia have historically been the cultivators and primary harvesters, relying on the trees for their livelihood. The sustainability of this harvesting is a growing concern due to environmental degradation, over-harvesting pressures, and political instability in the region, which impacts the ability of traditional cultivators to manage and protect the trees effectively. While small-scale cultivation efforts exist outside its native habitat, successful large-scale plantations mirroring its natural conditions are rare, meaning the vast majority of ‘maydi’ frankincense still originates from wild-harvested trees tended by local communities in Somalia.

Plant Care Summary

Botanical Insights

Adaptations

*Boswellia frereana* exhibits remarkable adaptations that allow it to survive in the harsh, arid environment of northeastern Somalia and Socotra. Its primary adaptation is its ability to thrive in extremely dry, rocky conditions. It typically grows on steep slopes and cliff faces, minimizing competition and maximizing drainage. The tree likely possesses a root system adapted to anchoring itself in rocky substrates and efficiently absorbing any available moisture, perhaps storing water in succulent-like tissues within the trunk or roots, though it’s not overtly succulent in appearance like some other desert plants. The thick bark provides protection against sun and herbivores, and it is specifically adapted to be tapped for resin, a defense mechanism that seals wounds and likely deters insects and fungal infections. The production of aromatic resins is itself an adaptation, possibly deterring herbivores and acting as an antimicrobial agent against pathogens in its environment. Its leaves are small and compound, reducing water loss through transpiration.

Propagation Methods

Propagating *Boswellia frereana* can be challenging, particularly from seed, which often has low viability and requires specific conditions. The most common and often more successful method for growers is stem cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken during the growing season (typically spring/summer) from healthy, established plants have the best chance. Cuttings should be allowed to callus (dry out) for several days or even weeks before being planted in a very well-draining, gritty substrate, often with added perlite or pumice. Rooting hormone can improve success rates. Providing warmth from below and minimal moisture is crucial to prevent rot before roots form. Grafting is also a technique sometimes used, particularly for difficult-to-root *Boswellia* species, by grafting *B. frereana* onto the rootstock of a more vigorous or easily propagated *Boswellia* species.

Toxicology

Based on available information and the historical use of its resin, *Boswellia frereana* (and frankincense resin in general) is generally considered to have low toxicity for both humans and common pets like cats and dogs. The resin, harvested from the bark, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, aromatherapy, and even food preparations (like chewing gum). Studies on the oral consumption of frankincense resin or extracts show a low incidence of side effects, typically mild digestive upset at very high doses. The plant material itself (leaves, bark) is not commonly consumed by humans or pets. While definitive studies on the toxicity of ingesting large quantities of the woody or leafy parts of *Boswellia frereana* are limited, the overall genus is not listed among highly toxic plants. As with any plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and ingestion of significant amounts of non-food plant material by pets could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset or blockage, but severe toxic reactions are not typical for this species.

Common Problems

Pests:

• Spider mites (especially in dry, indoor conditions with poor air circulation)
• Mealybugs (can hide in crevices on the stem)
• Scale insects (less common, but possible)

Diseases:

• Root rot (by far the most common and lethal problem, caused by overwatering and poor drainage)
• Fungal leaf spots (rare, usually indicates too much humidity or water sitting on leaves)

Other:

• Leaf drop (often caused by sudden changes in environment, overwatering, or under-watering; *Boswellia* are semi-deciduous or deciduous in drought)
• Stunted growth (usually due to insufficient light, improper watering, or poor soil)
• Stem mushiness/softness (a clear sign of fatal root or stem rot due to overwatering)

Rarity & Value

Rarity:

*Boswellia frereana* is considered relatively rare compared to more commonly available houseplants or even other succulent-like species. Its rarity stems primarily from its limited natural habitat (endemic to a specific, often unstable region of Somalia/Socotra) and the challenges associated with its cultivation outside of these conditions. It is slow-growing, and propagation from seed can be difficult and slow. While stem cuttings are possible, success rates can be variable for hobbyists, and establishing a mature plant takes time. Environmental threats in its native habitat also contribute to concerns about the long-term availability of wild-harvested material (both resin and plant specimens).

Value:

The market value of *Boswellia frereana* specimens can be relatively high, reflecting its rarity and the difficulty of cultivation. Factors affecting value include:

• Size and Age: Larger, more mature specimens command significantly higher prices than small seedlings or rooted cuttings. A thick, woody caudex (trunk) is particularly prized.
• Provenance: Plants grown from legally and sustainably sourced seeds or cuttings may be more valuable than those with uncertain origins.
• Health and Condition: A well-established, healthy plant with good form is more valuable than a stressed or damaged one.
• Demand: While not as widely popular as some trendy succulents, there is consistent demand from collectors of caudiciform plants, rare succulents, and plants with historical or aromatic significance. The value is also tied to the resin market; high demand for ‘maydi’ resin can indirectly influence interest in the tree itself.