Busera

/buːˈseɪrə/ noun

Definition

A genus of tropical trees, also called incense trees or copal trees, known for producing fragrant resins used in incense.

Etymology

From Spanish or Portuguese, likely derived from indigenous Mesoamerican or tropical American languages. The trees were named by European botanists encountering them in the New World.

Kelly Says

Bursera trees produce resin so fragrant that indigenous peoples used it in religious ceremonies for thousands of years—the same resin was burned as incense and is still harvested today, creating an unbroken 5,000-year tradition.

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