Burseraceae - Botanical Family

Canarium harveyi, also known as the Canarium Nut, is a small tree native to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It grows to an approximate height of 10-20 ft and thrives in a full sun to semi-shade environment. The tree requires regular watering and is known to do exceptionally well in USDA Zone 9-11.

The Canarium Nut is an evergreen tree and its foliage consists of evergreen ovate-elliptic dark green leaves. The tree is know to produce small cream-colored flowers which develop into tiny greenish fruits, later ripening to black. These fruits contain an edible kernel which yields an edible nut.

Canarium harveyi var. Neohebridense, is found on the island of Vanuatu and is less cold-resistant when compared to its cousin from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. In areas with cold weather, it is advisable to grow Canarium harveyi in a container that can be moved to a warm sunny spot during the cold months and taken indoors during the winter if temperatures are expected to drop below freezin.

In warmer climates, Canarium harveyi should be grown in well-drained soil with some organic matter in full sun or partial shade position. Water the tree sparingly, providing enough to sustain its growth and allow the soil to dry. The addition of fertilizer in the early stages of growth is suggested, but it is not necessary if the tree is grown in nutrient-rich soil. Canarium harveyi requires a little protection from strong winds when young, but can tolerate stronger winds in its later stages of growth.

It is also important to prune the Canarium Nut for a better crop of fruits, as it encourages bushier growth and increases the exposure of the fruit-producing parts of branches. It is best to remove any weak or broken branch along with any branches that are too close to each other. Pruning also prevents any disease from spreading, as canker infections cause slow death of the tree crown.

Canarium harveyi is an exotic addition to any tropical backyard and is known to do well in the right growing conditions. Careful maintenance and pruning will ensure plenty of edible nuts and a healthy tree through the years.

Canarium odontophyllum is a species of Canarium which is a delicious and nutritious fruit which tastes something like avocado. Quality fruits have oily yellowish appearance when the outer dark purple skin is removed. The whole fruit is soaked 5 - 10 minutes in hot water and eaten with sugar.

Canarium ovatum, also known as the pili nut tree, is a native species to the Philippines. It is an attractive, symmetrically shaped evergreen tree that can grow up to 60 ft tall, with resinous wood that gives it resistance to strong winds. Pili nut trees thrive in full sun to semi-shade and require regular watering. They are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

The pili nut is known for its flavorful and nutritious kernels, which can be enjoyed raw or roasted. Raw pili nuts have a flavor similar to roasted pumpkin seeds, while roasted pili nuts have a mild, nutty flavor and a tender-crisp texture that is superior to that of almonds. Pili nuts are used in a variety of culinary applications, including baking, ice cream, and other sweets. In addition to the kernels, the young shoots and fruit pulp of the pili nut tree are also edible. The shoots can be used in salads, and the pulp can be boiled and seasoned to create a dish with a texture similar to sweet potatoes and food value similar to avocados.

Pili nuts are rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids and contain beneficial nutrients like omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, which can help protect against cardiovascular diseases, regulate blood sugar levels, aid in the metabolic process, and provide brain health benefits. The stony shells of pili nuts are also useful as fuel or as a growth medium for orchids and anthurium. Pili nut trees are generally productive, with some trees yielding up to 24 nuts per season.

To properly care for a pili nut tree, it is important to provide it with the right growing conditions. Pili nut trees prefer full sun to semi-shade and require regular watering, although they are drought-tolerant once established. It is also important to fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilization regimen, including both macro and micronutrients, to ensure proper growth and fruit production.

In addition to proper watering and fertilization, pili nut trees also benefit from regular pruning to remove dead or diseased branches and maintain the tree's shape. It is also important to protect the tree from pests and diseases by using organic or chemical controls as needed.

To ensure the health and longevity of a pili nut tree, it is also important to plant it in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil can help improve its structure and fertility. Pili nut trees can also benefit from mulching to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Overall, proper care and attention to the growing conditions of a pili nut tree can help it thrive and produce flavorful, nutritious nuts.

Myrrh trees (Commiphora abyssinica) are easily recognized for the fact that they typically grow 5 to 10 ft tall and have very spiny and/or thorny branches. The leaves are grey-green and the flowers are usually cream and small. The flowers develop into fruit that contains 3 seeds, have a strong fragrance, and have a yellowish-brown color. Myrrh trees prefer full sun and moderate water, and are hardy in USDA Zones 9-11.

This plant is well known for its usage in ethnomedical practices, such as its use as an antiseptic to treat wounds, or as an aromatherapy aid to relieve stress. It is also helpful in relieving respiratory problems and said to stimulate the libido. Myrrh is often found in natural products, ranging from incense sticks to toothpaste.

For growing myrrh trees in cold regions, it is best to plant them in large pots. The soil should be well draining, and the pot should have drainage holes in the bottom. When watering, make sure to water the plants deeply, but not too often. If watering is necessary, wait until the top inch of soil is dry. Fertilizing the soil twice a year with a balanced liquid fertilizer is recommended. Additionally, this species does well in warmer temperatures, so if possible, keep it in a warm spot indoors during the winter months.

Myrrh is referred to in the Bible. Myrrh was used as a wine preservative in the ancient world. It was used by Egyptians in embalming mixtures. It was also used as an aromatic for perfumes, funerals, and insect repellents.

The stem will eventualy grow up to 40 centimetres in diameter, the whole bush up to five metres. The flowers are white to cream colored, and the is is possible to propagate it from cuttings.

Commiphora gileadensis relates to the 'Balm of Gilead', which was used for its fragrance as well as healing properties.

Small deciduous unarmed tree. Bark smooth pinkish-grey to brown, sometimes peeling. Leaves aromatic, 3-foliolate, occasionally 5-foliolate; leaflets large, broadly ovate to almost circular, light green and shiny with minute golden glands. Flowers small, creamy-yellow to pinkish-red in axillary branched heads with conspicuous leafy bracts.

Commiphora is a genus of flowering plants. It includes about 185 species of trees and shrubs, often armed or thorny.

Dacryodes edulis is an evergreen tree.The flowers are yellow and about 5 mm across. They are arranged in a large inflorescence. The fruit is an ellipsoidal drupe which varies in length from 4 to 12 cm. The skin of the fruit is dark blue or violet, whereas the flesh is pale to light green.

Cooked flesh of the fruit has a texture similar to butter.

Seedlings can thrive in quite dense shade, but older trees grow well in partial shade or full sun.