The Boswellia group of trees consists of some 20 species found in the dry tropical areas of N.E Africa and Asia. When the tree is cut, it exudes a milky liquid that solidifies to an amber oleo-resin/gum that is collected for steam distillation. There is a difference with B.carterii (see. Olibanum) as it is a different tree with a slight variant in odour and possible colour, due to geographical locations, environment, and different requirements of each species. 

Frankincense (old French for "franc encens" - High quality incense) is better known for this wondrous incense. The specific name, "serrata", comes from serra (meaning - a saw) referring to the toothed leaf - margins. A traditional Ayurvedic medicine, due to it's natural location of India and the Punjab region that extends to Pakistan, is also suggested as Indian Frankincense. It has been used since ancient times in rituals and spirituality, it is still used as an incense in many religions today.

The oleo resin is collected from the bark of this moderately sized shrub/tree of about 9 - 15 metres, is a deciduous tree with a light, slightly drooping, and spreading crown. In India, white flowers appear at the ends of the branches by late January to March/April. Followed by fruit, that ripen in May - June. The leaves turn from green to yellow to a light brown before they all nearly fall by the end of the year, which new leaves will start to emerge in May/June the following year.