Rare White Boswellia aspleniifolia - Incense Resin from Socotra.
Boswellia aspleniifolia belongs to a disputed taxa. Some botanists consider the tree to be one of the many variations of Boswellia socotrana-elongata. Others believe that B. aspleniifolia is a distinct species. Having handled and burned the resin, I can confirm that is does diverge from B. socotrana-elongata in several ways. Its frankincense has a lot in common with B. sacra, but has brighter sweet and tropical notes a higher typical of the more piney-citrus characteristics of B. socotrana. It is perhaps the best of both worlds, and the best that frankincense has to offer.
Socotra, an island in the Indian Ocean, is home to several unique plant species. Among these are several dwarf species that naturally produce frankincense (Boswellia) and myrrh (Commiphora). My local partners harvest the resin with exquisite knowledge and care, monitoring populations and helping to protect trees wherever they can. They adhere to strict local customs intended to preserve forests and the sustainability of the ancient incense resin trade.
