Canarium luzonicum, commonly known as elemi, is a tree native to the Philippines. The oleoresin harvested from it is also known as elemi resin.

Synonyms

  • Canarium carapifolium <small>G.Perkins</small>
  • Canarium oliganthum <small>Merr.</small>
  • Canarium polyanthum <small>G.Perkins</small>
  • Canarium triandrum <small>Engl.</small>
  • Pimela luzonica <small>Blume</small>

Description

Canarium luzonicum is a large evergreen tree growing to a maximum height of about . The leaves are alternate and are pinnate. Clusters of flowers, which are pollinated by insects, are followed by thick-shelled nuts with edible kernels.

Uses

thumb|upright|Elemi (Canarium luzonicum) essential oil in clear glass vial

thumb|left|[[Elemicin is named after Canarium luzonicum, one of the vernacular names of which is elemi.]]

Elemi resin is a pale yellow substance, of honey-like consistency. Aromatic elemi oil is steam distilled from the resin. It is a fragrant resin with a sharp pine and lemon-like scent. One of the resin components is called amyrin.

The seed kernels are used for food, both raw and cooked. An edible oil can be extracted from the seeds, and the pulp can be stewed but is somewhat insipid. The young shoots can be boiled and eaten as a vegetable.

See also

  • Pili nut

References

  • J. Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 59-67.
  • R. Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 135.