SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 690.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "690" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

poponax

Scientific Name: Acacia tortuosa

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Opoponax: Sweet Myrrh

Opoponax, often called "sweet myrrh" or "bisabol myrrh," is a resin with a rich history and complex aroma. It has been used in perfumes, incense, and for other applications throughout history.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text describes opoponax as a gum resin extracted by cutting the base of a stem, suggesting handling or chewing on the plant matter could lead to sap exposure.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Commiphora erythraea, Commiphora opoponax, Opoponax chironium
  • Common Names: Opoponax, Sweet Myrrh, Bisabol Myrrh

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Burseraceae (for Commiphora erythraea), Umbelliferae (for Opoponax chironium)
  • Synonyms/Alternative Names: The text mentions variant spellings, with "opopanax" as the principal spelling and "opoponax" as a 19th-century variant.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Opoponax grows in specific regions, including Iran, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Somalia.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • The Opoponax tree has a branching stem that grows approximately 1 to 3 feet high. The stem is described as thick and rough near the base.
  • Its leaves are pinnate.

Traditional Uses and Properties

  • Opoponax has a warm-balsamic and sweet, honey-like aroma.
  • It has been used in perfumes, incense, and ritual purification since the time of King Solomon.
  • In the past it was used as a cold compress to soothe specific areas of the body.

Quirky Facts

  • The name "opoponax" comes from the ancient Greek words "opos" (vegetable juice) and "panax" (a panacea or cure-all).

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Butterflies are mentioned in the context of perfume descriptions associated with opoponax.

Further Information

  • Sigma-Aldrich offers Opoponax oil and other natural food and flavor ingredients.
  • JustIngredients sells Opoponax Gum.