Although this is another plant that is technically classified as an herb, I find it quite evasive, so therefore I consider it to be an exotic herb more than anything else. I have been on the hunt for seeds or starts of this plant for over three years without a bit of luck. If anyone has or knows of any sources, the information would be greatly appreciated.

The botanical name of this leafy forest tree is Boswellia Thurifera, and it hails from the Burseraceae family. The tree is most commonly known for the highly scented gum resin that it gives off. This resin is obtained by making a deep, longitudinal incision in the trunk of the tree. Just below this incision, a narrow strip of bark that measures approximately five inches long is peeled off allowing the milk-like juice to run out. Once air touches this juice, it hardens and the incision is deepened. It takes approximately three months for this substance to harden into the yellowish “tears” that we purchase. Sap from the Frankincense trees can be gathered from May until about the middle of September when rain showers end the harvest season.

Although young trees yield the best harvest, the older trees will also yield fluid which is more of a clear, glutinous fluid that resembles coral varnish.

Grown on the Somali coast line, without soil, these trees seem to grow out of polished marble secured by thick oval masses of substances that resemble lime and mortar. They produce white or pale rose flowers on short pedicels in single axillary racemenes that are shorter than the leaves.

Frankincense can also be found on the coast of Southern Arabia where the Somalis make yearly visits to collect the resin of the Frankincense.

Although Frankincense is a stimulant, it is seldom used internally anymore although at one time it was in great demand. It was thought to be an antidote to Hemlock, as well as during the tenth century it was used for tumors, vomiting, ulcers, fevers, as well as dysentery. The Chinese were also known to use it for leprosy.

The most common use these days for the Francinsense resin is incense and pastilles. It is also commonly substituted for Balsam Of Peru or Balsam Of Tolu in the manufacturing of plasters. Another modern day use of Frankincense is steam inhalation which is supposed to aid in relieving bronchitis and laryngitis.

Religious use of Frankincense can be found among the Jews, Greeks, at the feast of Bel, Among the Egyptians and of course, it was a gift to Baby Jesus and is used among modern day Christians, and other religions.

Most commonly associated with spiritualiy, it is easy to see that Frankincense has many other useful properities. If you have not yet tried the resin of this plant, I would definitely reccomend getting some and trying it, I find the odor very pleasing.

As far as growing Frankincense, there is little that I personally have been able to find to that effect, but I am sure someone out there has either grown it, or have some type of experience with it, and I would love to hear from you.

Until next week, happy gardening.

Although many of you will not consider Lemon Grass to be a tropical herb, it most certainly is. This plant is indigenous to India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia, although it is grown worldwide. Not only does this herb have an ornamental value in the garden, it also has both medicinal and culinary value.

Lemon Grass is imparts a lemony flavor that is an indispensable ingredient in both Caribbean and Southeast Asian cuisines. I also use the oils of lemon grass in vinegars that I wish to impart a lemon flavor to, and also as an ingredient in lemon-scented potpourri.

As a medicinal plant, Lemon Grass contains anti-bacterial essential oils, which makes it an important herb for homeopathic medicine.

Lemon Grass is basically a pest-free plant, and easy to grow. However, I do find that I have a bit of a problem with my cats wanting to eat it, especially when I over winter it. Unless you live in a relatively frost-free location, this plant should be brought indoors to over winter.

The preferred method of propagation of this plant is by dividing it.  The easiest way to do this is to cut it back, and then divide it. It is rarely known to flower, therefore it rarely sets seeds. Once it is divided, plant it in a soil with a PH of 6.5 to 7.3, that is loose and well draining, preferably enriched with organic matter.

This versatile herb is one that I definitely keep growing in my garden. I enjoy the rich lemony scent it gives off when I brush up against it, and I also enjoy the dense grassy clumps that grow anywhere from three to six feet high.

I thought that I might share some recipes for using Lemon Grass that I have come across. Although I have never personally tried this recipe, you may like it. I found this one in “Cooking From The Gourmet’s Garden Edible Ornamentals Herbs & Flowers,” by Coralie Castle and Robert Kourik.

Steamed Mussels or Clams with Lemongrass and Shallots

4 pounds mussels or clams in the shell, well scrubbed 2 tablespoons peanut or corn oil 3 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and lightly bruised 1/3 cup minced shallot 3 large cloves garlic, minced 3 cups dry white wine

Pull beards from mussels. Discard any cracked or open shellfish. In a 6 to 8 quart pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat oil over medium heat. Add lemongrass, shallot, and garlic and sauté 5 minutes. Add cilantro and shellfish and turn with wooden spoon to coat shellfish with oil and herbs. Raise heat to high, add wine, cover and cook until shellfish open (3 to 5 minutes). Discard shellfish that do not open. Ladle into heated individual bowls and serve immediately. Serves 4

I would also like to share with you some ideas for using lemongrass in potpourri, sachets, or any other scented concoction that requires a lemon scent. I really think if you enjoy lemon scented items, you will find that substituting lemon grass in place of lemon scented geraniums, lemon verbena, or just adding it in with them will give you a pleasant lemony scent.

I hope you will try this tropical herb in your garden if you haven’t already. I am sure you will enjoy it.