The correct spelling of the fragrant tree known as "frankincense pine" is actually "Boswellia sacra". The word "frankincense" is a corruption of the French phrase "franc encens" and refers to the resin that is harvested from the tree. The pronunciation of "Boswellia sacra" is /bɒzˈwɛlɪə ˈsækrə/, with an emphasis on the first syllable of both words. The spelling of the word is tied to the history and use of the tree and its resin in various cultures, including religious ceremonies and medicinal practices.
Frankincense pine, also known as Boswellia scoparia, is a species of small to medium-sized evergreen tree belonging to the Burseraceae family. It is native to the arid regions of Africa, particularly Somalia and the Arabian Peninsula. The term "frankincense pine" is derived from the aromatic resin produced by the tree, which possesses a unique fragrance similar to that of frankincense.
The tree typically reaches a height of around 5-10 meters, with a distinctive pyramid-shaped crown and sparse foliage. Its leaves are small, needle-like, and arranged in pairs along the branches. The trunk of the frankincense pine bears a rough, grayish-brown bark, often marked with vertical fissures.
One of the most notable features of the frankincense pine is its resinous sap, which exudes from the tree when the bark is cut or damaged. The resin is pale yellow in color, and upon exposure to air, it hardens to form small, irregular-shaped lumps. This resin has been valued for centuries for its aromatic properties and is commonly used in incense, perfumes, and traditional medicinal practices.
In addition to its aromatic resin, the frankincense pine also has cultural and religious significance. It has been used in various religious ceremonies and rituals across several ancient civilizations, including Christianity and Islam.
Overall, frankincense pine is a fascinating tree known for its resinous sap with a fragrance reminiscent of frankincense. Its aromatic properties, cultural importance, and adaptability to arid environments make it a unique and significant species both in the natural world and human history.
The word "frankincense" has a different etymology from "pine".
The term "frankincense" is derived from the Old French word "franc encens", meaning "pure incense". It was borrowed from the Latin word "francus", meaning "free" or "pure", and "incensum", meaning "burnt". Frankincense is a type of aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia, primarily Boswellia sacra, that is used in incense and perfumes.
On the other hand, the word "pine" comes from the Latin word "pinus", which refers to the pine tree itself. The term has Indo-European roots and is related to words in other European languages like Old High German "föhana"/"fano" and Old Norse "fen".