Elemi

Elemi is a pale yellow to amber resin obtained from certain tropical trees in the Burseraceae family, most notably Canarium luzonicum (often associated with the Philippines) and Canarium commune, with other Canarium species contributing. The resin is tapped by wounding the tree and collecting the tears that exude, then dried and sold as elemi resin or elemi gum. The name is derived from terms used in Southeast Asia for resin exudates.

Physically, elemi resin is brittle when solid and has a distinct, fresh, resinous aroma that is often described as lemony or peppery. The essential oil distilled from elemi resin yields a pale yellow to light-green oil with a citrus-resinous character, and it is used in perfumery and cosmetics as a base note or fixative.

Uses of elemi are primarily in varnishes and lacquers, where it provides a resinous binder and moderate drying properties. It is also employed in inks, adhesives, and certain incense formulations. In traditional woodworking and finishing, elemi resin has been used to impart gloss and durability to oil-based coatings, often in blends with turpentine, mastic, or shellac to adjust drying time and hardness.

Elemi is one of several tree-resin exudates used commercially, and while it shares some similarities with resins like dammar and mastic, it is botanically distinct and valued for its particular odor and finishing characteristics.