Palo Santo

Burseraceae

FamilyBurseraceae

Max Height15 m

RangeDry tropics of S. America

HabitatDry forest

About the Palo Santo

The holy wood burned as incense for centuries, related to frankincense. Traditionally only fallen dead branches are harvested. Essential oil boomed globally in the 2010s, raising sustainability concerns. Ecuador protects stands.

Related Species

Frankincense Tree

Burseraceae8m

Source of frankincense — one of three gifts of the Magi. Resin traded 5,000+ yea...

Horn of Africa