The genus Boswellia (Burseraceae) : the frankincense trees

The history of frankincense, starting in ancient Egypt, and the frankincense trees, what is now the genus Boswellia Roxb., is briefly outlined. General remarks are given on phylogeny and dating of the genus, previous taxonomic treatments, authorship and etymology, chromosome number, cotyledons and hypocotyl, cliff-dwelling versus ground-dwelling species, bark, stipules, breeding system and pollination, fruits and dispersal, hybrids, chemistry and uses, conservation, and harvesting and processing