Burseraceae is a family of flowering plants that belongs to the order Sapindales. This family is commonly known as the torchwood family or the incense tree family. The name "Burseraceae" is derived from Bursera, the type genus of the family. The family includes hundreds of species distributed mainly in tropical regions around the world.
Members of the Burseraceae family are typically aromatic trees or shrubs that often exude resin. They can vary in size, from small shrubs to large trees reaching heights of up to 30 meters. The leaves are usually simple, alternate or clustered, and pinnately compound. The flowers are generally small and inconspicuous, with five petals, and are arranged in inflorescences.
One significant characteristic of the Burseraceae family is the production of resin or gum by specialized ducts, which has economic and cultural importance. This resin can be used for various purposes, such as incense, perfumes, traditional medicine, and as a source of commercial resins like frankincense and myrrh.
Many species within the Burseraceae family have been used in traditional medicine for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. They have also been utilized in religious ceremonies, cultural practices, and as components of perfumes and fragrances.
Due to their cultural, economic, and ecological significance, many species of Burseraceae have been studied extensively to better understand their biology, ecology, and potential applications.
