Burseraceae

Bursera simaruba0

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Burseraceae

Burseraceae is a family of flowering plants in the order Sapindales. The family is commonly known as the torchwood or incense tree family. It includes about 18 genera and 540 species, which are primarily distributed in tropical regions around the world.

Description

Members of the Burseraceae family are typically trees or shrubs. They often have aromatic resins, which are used in incense and perfumes. The leaves are usually compound and arranged alternately. The flowers are small and often unisexual, with the plants being either monoecious or dioecious. The fruit is generally a drupe or a capsule.

Genera

Some of the notable genera in the Burseraceae family include:

• Boswellia - Known for producing frankincense.
• Commiphora - Known for producing myrrh.
• Bursera - Includes species such as Bursera simaruba, commonly known as gumbo-limbo.
• Canarium - Known for producing elemi resin.

Uses

The resins produced by various species in the Burseraceae family have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, religious ceremonies, and as incense. For example, frankincense and myrrh have been historically significant in various cultures and religions.

Distribution

Burseraceae species are primarily found in tropical regions, including parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. They thrive in a variety of habitats, from dry forests to rainforests.

Related Pages

• Sapindales
• Frankincense
• Myrrh
• Gumbo-limbo
• Elemi