Review Article: Frankincense and myrrh resources of Ethiopia: I distribution, production, opportunities for dryland development and research needs

Abstract

Boswellia and Commiphora species are economically and ecologically important plant species found mainly in the horn of Africa particularly in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya. They are the source of aromatic gum resins, frankincense and myrrh. Frankincense and myrrh have been valued for their sacred and ceremonial uses as well as in medicinal contexts since several millennia. Still today, they are widely used as raw materials in several industries such as pharmacology, food, beverage, flavouring, liqueurs, cosmetics, detergents, creams and perfumery, paints, adhesive and dye manufacturing. Ethiopia is one of tropical African countries with large potentials of frankincense and myrrh resources and has been known as one of the major producers. Nevertheless, little efforts have been made at national level to explore the vegetation resources that provide these valuable products. Consequently, little is written and known about their distribution, potential production, development opportunities and other relevant issues. This paper presents a review that covers several aspects of these valuable resources including the economic and ecological opportunities they may render for accelerated development and ecological conservation in the vast dry lands of the country.

GIS and Remote Sensing-Based Forest Resource Assessment, Quantification, and Mapping in Amhara Region, Ethiopia

“…and myrrh and myrrh-like resins, products of Commiphora spp. (Lemenih and Teketay 2003). The production and trade volumes of gums and resins in Ethiopia have been increasing since the 1990s.…”

Consequences of traditional management in the production and quality of copal resin (Bursera bipinnata (Moc. & Sessé ex DC.) Engl.) in Mexico

“…Our study is an effort to register strategies in species with ritual purposes. In Northeast Africa, diverse species of the genus Boswellia and Commiphora are harvested for resin in arid landscapes, where they are promoted and protected, among other in situ management strategies [48,49]. In Indonesia, several species of the genus Styrax L., whose resin is tapped, are currently managed in large plantations, although it has been recognized that these production systems have a previous history of silvicultural management [50].…”

“…However, the resin quantity produced by B. bipinnata is exceptionally low compared to other Burseraceae species. For example, B. papyrifera registers a production between 840 and 3,000 g of resin per tree [48,78,81]; P. copal from 16 to 308 g [79]; and Styrax sp. from 200 to 1,000 g [50].…”

“…For B. bipinnata, traditional management establishes that trees can only be harvested once the rainy season has started, after owering and for a period of three months (July to October). This contrasts with B. papyrifera, which can be harvested for a period of more than six months and is harvested during the dry season [51,78], letting it rest during the rains because it is thought that resin can wash off, affecting its quality [48]. P. copal is harvested in the dry season, during a period from 4 to 8 months, depending on the region and culture of those who manage it [79,82].…”

The Effect of Age of Exclosures and Aspect on Aboveground Carbon of Boswellia papyrifera Dominated Woodland of Kafta Humera, Western Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

“…One of these species is Boswellia papyrifera, known to produce a commercially important and widely traded aromatic product called frankincense. Production of frankincense by private and government organizations for commerce has a long history in Ethiopia [6].…”