incense tree

noun

1. any of various trees, as Boswellia carteri or those of the genus Protium, yielding an aromatic gum resin that is burned as incense.

Word History and Origins

Origin of incense tree¹

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

Solowey named the three important incense trees during that period as frankincense, myrrh and the balm of Gilead, which was cultivated only by the Dead Sea.

From Washington Post

They hunt incense trees, which are prized for their fragrant resin.

From Time

The commercial harvesting of incense trees ended in the territory more than a century ago.

From Economist

Clytia was metamorphosed into the sun-flower, and Leucotho�, who was buried alive by her father for yielding to the solicitations of Apollo, was by her lover changed into an incense tree.

From Project Gutenberg

When men interfere with the incense trees it is reported: "the demons of the place flew away with doleful cries in the shape of white serpents, and the intruders died soon afterwards".

From Project Gutenberg