ABSTRACT
Frankincense, an aromatic oleo gum resin, which is also popular as olibanum and maximum extent, has been obtained from the four tree species of the taxon Boswellia, a rosid Family Burseraceae. The species of Boswellia were found to be highly commercial, and hence there might be a chance of adulteration or mixing with inferior gums or plant parts. Hence, pharmacognostic studies help the market men to identify its original source or pure form or its grade. The present discussion paved an understanding of the structural aspects of plant material anatomically and its architecture of gum-secreting organs or orientation of schizogenous canals in the wood and bark. It also helps the gum tappers with the usage of tools for scratching the bark and the extent of the injury on the stem bark for the collection of quality oleo resin aromatic gum without affecting the tree life. The species such as B. ovalifoliolata, B. papyrifera, B. sacra, and B. serrata are being extensively investigated by scientists globally, and they are discussed in 70this chapter. However, there are many other Boswellia species that are yet to be explored scientifically for their pharmacognostic values.
