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Sandarac Tetraclinis articulata

Description: a small conifer found in the mountains of northwestern Africa. The resin is obtained by making small incisions in the trunk and branches of the tree, inducing the lemon-colored sandarac resin to flow, which quickly solidifies upon exposure to air, forming small tear-shaped resin drops.

Sandarac is chiefly used in fine lacquers and varnishes while small amounts are used in perfumery and incense.

During the days of Jesus, sandarac was traded under the name of "gold" and is considered by some to be the "gold" gift from the visiting Magi to the infant Jesus.

lower risk near threatened - IUCN only - The populations in Malta and southern Spain are highly threatened. In North Africa the species is also restricted in range.

Threatened Species Alert: Status: "Lower Risk, Near Threatened." The 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species now includes this species. The populations in Malta and southern Spain are highly threatened. In North Africa the species is also restricted in range. See IUCN.

Family: Cupresssaceae

Synonyms: Callitris quadrivalvis, avar tree, mistakenly called juniper gum

Origin: northwestern Africa; principally Morocco and Algeria, also found in Spain and Australia

Parts Used: resin

Aroma Description: fresh, warm, light, resinous, balsamic, slightly fruity, frankincense-like

Emotional Attributes: relaxing, strengthening, helps with sleep

Cosmetic Uses: perfumery, aromatherapy; very good fixative properties

Culinary Uses: used to flavor liqueurs

Medicinal Attributes: used as a remedy in North Africa if birth becomes difficult, to reduce cramps, stomachaches, colds and catarrh. Also used to treat roundworms and tapeworms

Element Association: Water

Magical Associations: healing, spirituality, dreams, friendship

Astrological Association: Cancer

Planetary Association: Moon

Season: Spring, Autumn

Aromatic Note: Middle note

Essential Oil: Yes, steam distilled oil from the resin is made, though it can often be difficult to find. An essential oil is also made from the leaves and bark of the tree, though these are more rare than the essential oil made from the resin. Threatened Species Alert: Status: "Lower Risk, Near Threatened." The 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species now includes this species. See IUCN.

Mixes Well With: burgundy pitch, cedar, frankincense, guggul, lemongrass, mastic, myrrh, opoponax, pine, rose, saffron, sandalwood, copaiba and Peru balsams, etc.

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