Biology of Genus Boswellia

Description

This book provides insight into the biology and genomics of the genus Boswellia (family Burseraceae), a natural resource used for the production of frankincense, an oleo-gum resin. The Boswellia species are ecologically, medicinally, commercially and culturally important. Significantly contributing to the paucity of comprehensive literature on this genus, this volume provides a detailed discussion on the genomics, physiology and ecology of Boswellia. The chapters cover a wide range of topics, including taxonomy, distribution, genetic diversity and microbiology. The production process of frankincense and its impact on the species are presented as well. In light of the recent decline of various Boswellia populations, species propagation and conservation are discussed. Plant scholars, ecologists and conservation biologists will find this book to be an important and informative reference. Front Matter ....Pages i-xix Frankincense and Human Civilization: A Historical Review (Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Abdul Latif Khan, Sajjad Asaf, Ahmed Al-Rawahi)....Pages 1-9 Taxonomy, Distribution and Ecology of Boswellia (Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Abdul Latif Khan, Sajjad Asaf, Ahmed Al-Rawahi)....Pages 11-34 Frankincense: Tapping, Harvesting and Production (Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Abdul Latif Khan, Sajjad Asaf, Ahmed Al-Rawahi)....Pages 35-51 Frankincense Tree Physiology and Its Responses to Wounding Stress (Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Abdul Latif Khan, Sajjad Asaf, Ahmed Al-Rawahi)....Pages 53-70 Propagation and Conservation of Boswellia sacra (Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Abdul Latif Khan, Sajjad Asaf, Ahmed Al-Rawahi)....Pages 71-84 Genetic Diversity and Differentiation Among Species and Populations of Boswellia (Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Abdul Latif Khan, Sajjad Asaf, Ahmed Al-Rawahi)....Pages 85-101 Boswellia sacra Plastid Genome Sequencing and Comparative Analysis (Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Abdul Latif Khan, Sajjad Asaf, Ahmed Al-Rawahi)....Pages 103-121 Microbial Communities Accompanying Cultivated and Wild Boswellia sacra Trees (Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Abdul Latif Khan, Sajjad Asaf, Ahmed Al-Rawahi)....Pages 123-132 Endophytic Microbial Communities of Boswellia (Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Abdul Latif Khan, Sajjad Asaf, Ahmed Al-Rawahi)....Pages 133-151 Resin Composition and Structural Diversity (Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Abdul Latif Khan, Sajjad Asaf, Ahmed Al-Rawahi)....Pages 153-162 Back Matter ....Pages 163-173