Styrax

Styrax: comes from varieties of Styrax trees, the aroma is that of spicy, cinnamon and is sweetly warm. Styrax benzoin is a species of tree native to Sumatra, Indonesia. Common names for the tree include "gum benjamin tree, loban (in Arabic), kemenyan (in Indonesia and Malaysia), onycha, and Sumatra benzoin tree". It is a common member of the forests of Sumatra, Indonesia, where it grows to a height of about 12-30 meters. Styrax benzoin can live 70-100 years. It is not known how he got to Sumatra. Scientists claim that styrax benzoin from Sumatra has the best quality. It is obtained from the resin of the Styrax Benzoin tree. The resin is commonly available in chunks or can be sprayed just before use (the powder will harden again if left too long).

The process of tapping and harvesting frankincense takes one year. The trunk of the styrax benzoin tree is cut slightly to reveal the white styrax sap from the skin. After 4-6 months the styrax sap hardens on the tree trunks and at this point the sap can be harvested. The sap that has been harvested is not pure and is dried for 3 to 6 months to remove impurities. After the sap has dried, it is ready for export.