Key Features
- Distinctive frankincense tree known for its sculptural, branching form
- Pale brown, papery bark develops as the tree matures
- Produces small yellow-white flowers in branched clusters
- Naturally suited to dry, rocky, and well-drained growing environments
- Excellent for warm-climate landscapes, containers, and specialty plant collections
Growing Benefits
- Adds an unusual desert-inspired character to sunny garden spaces
- Well suited to gardeners interested in botanical and aromatic plants
- Drought-adapted once established when grown in suitable conditions
- Attractive tree form provides year-round structural interest in warm climates
- Makes an interesting choice for collectors of distinctive tree species
Seed Specifications
- Common Name: Frankincense Tree, Sacred Frankincense
- Botanical Name: Boswellia sacra Flueck.
- Plant Type: Perennial woody tree
- Colors: Yellow-white flowers; pale brown to reddish-brown bark
- Height: Up to about eight meters in suitable natural conditions
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Sandy, rocky, sharply drained soil
- Water: Low to moderate; allow the growing medium to dry between waterings
- Germination Time: Often rapid under suitable conditions, but results can vary considerably with seed viability
- Sowing Depth: Sow shallowly and lightly cover with growing medium
- Spacing: Allow generous room for mature growth
- Growing Zones: Generally suited to warm, frost-free climates; commonly grown in USDA Zones ten to eleven
- Flowering/Maturity: Mature trees can produce small yellow-white flowers; flowering time varies with growing conditions
- Uses: Ornamental tree, container specimen, botanical collections, dry-climate landscapes, and frankincense-producing tree
Growing Tips
- Use a gritty, fast-draining growing medium to prevent excess moisture around the roots.
- Provide warm temperatures and bright sunlight for healthy seedling development.
- Keep the medium lightly moist during germination without making it waterlogged.
- Handle young seedlings carefully because their developing root systems can be delicate.
Seed Storage
Store seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Keep them in an airtight container or moisture-resistant seed packet. Avoid heat and repeated exposure to moisture, as seed viability can decline during storage.
Unique Facts About Seeds
- Boswellia sacra is one of the principal species associated with frankincense production.
- Its natural range includes southern Oman, Yemen, and parts of northern and northeastern Somalia.
- Research has found considerable variation in seed viability, with some seeds being empty or lacking developed embryos.
- A scientific germination study found that soaking seeds for around seven hours helped separate many empty seeds and improved germination results in tested seed lots.
