Description Elemi Gum Elemi Gum Manila Solid Dark. Elemi Gum Manila Solid Dark. Elemi is the gum resin secreted by the Canarium luzonicum tree, which can grow up to 30m high and belongs to the same botanical family as Frankincense and Myrrh. This tree grows wild in the tropical forests of the Philippines. The gum is naturally secreted when the tree is attacked by a parasite. The gum is also produced when the “tapping technique” is applied. An incision is made in the bark when the tree is sprouting leaves and the pale yellow gum oozes out and solidifies on contact with the air and slightly darkens in colour. A mature tree can produce up to 5kg of gum per year. The scent is citrus-like and spicy with a hint of fennel. It was used in “Chinese incense” as far back as the 7th century for religious ceremonies, to perfume homes, and was even worn in small pouches around the neck as a perfume. It may to help relieve stress and nervous exhaustion and bring on feelings of peace.
