Gums and resins are important sources of income for the rural poor as well as a source of foreign exchange for countries in the drylands of East and West Africa and the Middle East [152]. They are hardened resinous plant exudates, obtained from several species of Acacia, Boswellia and Commiphora in the drylands. Currently, about 35 species of Acacia, Boswellia and Commiphora have been identified as potential producers of com - mercial gums and resins. But gums and resins are currently collected from only a few species [153]. Gum arabic is an exudate (oozed naturally or tapped by humans) from the stems or branches of Acacia senegal and A. seyal [154]. Frankincense is an aromatic resin oozed naturally or tapped by humans from various Boswellia species ( B. frereana , B. neglecta, B. papyrifera and B. secra ) while myrrh is a resin released by Commiphora myrrha and C. holtziana [155, 156].
Publication year
2014
Authors
Hassan B; Nyamai D O; Birhane E; Njenga, M.
Language
English
Keywords
drylands, resins, gum, gender, environmental management, trees
Funders
Department for International Development (DFID)
