Elemi (Canarium luzonicum)

Other names: canary luzon

Elemi is a woody plant native to the Philippines, botanically classified as a member of the beech family (Burseraceae). It is also known as the Luzon canary grass and often grows in warm tropical regions. It is found in mountainous areas, although it is also cultivated as an ornamental plant.

Probably the best known product obtained from the Luzon canary grass is the so-called elemi resin. This resin is extracted from the bark of the tree and is known for its specific and intense aroma, which is often described as sweet and spicy with a hint of sour citrus. Elemi resin is popular in aromatherapy, where it is used for its supposedly harmonizing and balancing effects. In addition, the resin is also used in the cosmetics industry, particularly for the production of perfumes, candles and soaps, where it gives products a pleasant and long-lasting scent. Another important field where elemi finds application is medicine, where the resin is used as an antiseptic, anaesthetic or as a component of certain medicinal ointments and creams.