Frankincense (Boswellia neglecta) by Lucas Anderson
Buy Prints Online
Paper prints and canvas prints of this painting of various sizes are available through Lucas Anderson’s website.
About the Painting
Each painting in the series is created on canvas using hand-mixed egg tempera, made with carefully selected pigments. A “primary” colour is chosen for each piece—used to depict the chemical structure—and infused with a small amount of the corresponding essential oil to capture its unique energetic quality.
Support Conservation
To support the sustainability of the Boswellia species supply chain, Essential Oil Art will donate 50% of the profits from the sale of prints featuring the nine species of frankincense paintings to Airmid.
This donation serves as a gesture of gratitude to Airmid for covering the cost of supplies for these artworks, reinforcing our shared commitment to the preservation and ethical sourcing of frankincense.
Prime Colour
Burnt Sienna
Artist’s Statement
This painting of Boswellia neglecta essential oil is a celebration of nature’s harmony and resilience, with a focus on the unique story of this “happier” species. The burnt sienna prime colour evokes the warm, earthy tones of the tree’s bark and resin while symbolizing its natural vitality and generosity.
At the heart of the painting is the special relationship between the tree and the beetle Neoplocaederus benningseni, one of a few beetles which burrow under the bark. These beetles play a crucial role in stimulating the flow of resin, allowing harvesters to collect it without heavily cutting the tree. The interaction between the beetle and the tree is presented as a delicate and mutually beneficial dance, emphasizing nature’s interconnectedness and balance.
This painting offers a hopeful and harmonious portrayal of Boswellia neglecta, celebrating its resilience, ecological partnerships, and the renewed attention it has begun to receive. It invites viewers to reflect on the hidden treasures of the natural world and the beauty that emerges when we take the time to look closely.
Botanical Information
Boswellia neglecta, native to Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, is locally known as Borena Type Olibanum (Ethiopia) and Dakkara (Kenya). It is distinguished for its diverse therapeutic properties, primarily attributed to its major chemical constituents, including α-pinene, α-thujene, terpinen-4-ol, and p-cymene. These compounds contribute to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, chondroprotective, anxiolytic, vulnerary, anti-acetylcholinesterase, hypotensive, and antinociceptive properties.
The essential oil of B. neglecta resin has a fragrance profile characterized as resinous, sweet-woody, balsamic, and citrus. Unlike actively tapped Boswellia species, B. neglecta resin is naturally exuded from the bark, making it a more sustainable source of frankincense resin.
While B. neglecta has been preliminarily assessed as Least Concern, further research is needed to confirm its conservation status. The species is subject to grazing pressure, which may impact regeneration in certain regions.
Ensuring ethical sourcing and sustainable collection practices, including protecting natural populations and supporting local harvesting communities, is essential for maintaining its ecological balance.
Given its unique chemical composition, therapeutic benefits, and sustainable harvesting methods, B. neglecta presents a promising option for aromatherapy, medicinal applications, and responsible trade.
Johnson, S. P., & Ablard, K. M. (2020). Frankincense: Tapping into a sustainable future. International Journal of Professional Holistic Aromatherapy, 9(3), 45-56.
