Frankincense - a traditional staple of the Christmas story - faces an uncertain future, according to researchers.
Ecologists have warned that the production of the fragrant resin could decline by half over the next 15 years.
— Read more at Frankincense tree facing uncertain future at the BBC News. Hat tip to Abyss, RusticDove & Boojum!
Noooooooo!
No sandalwood, no frankincense? It’s hard to imagine.
What sadness I am feeling right now…
Wish I knew how much of the frankincense currently used in perfumes was synthetic vs. natural. I’ve no idea.
I participated in some research in Minnesota tracking the fluctuations between the grasslands and oak forests in the savannahs. What we found was that long-term climate patterns (ie. global warming) greatly influenced which of the two dominant biomes increased and which receded.
Now, of course, no good scientist will extrapolate too much, but I’m not entirely surprised to hear that something similar is impacting this species as well. They mention that the dry periods are becoming too dry to aid sprouting. I think this is deeply troubling. I know that for every species we know about and care about, there may be hundreds of lesser know species that are being impacted just as greatly.
It’s such a hard and complicated issue; I’m sure there are economists and other specialists who could add other layers to our understanding of what’s happening. I do try to stay hopeful, but I admit to feeling overwhelmed by these issues, too!
Very interesting, thanks Marjorie Rose!
While I’m not prepared to grow my own frankincense, this article form the NY Times does seem to hold some hope for the future:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/08/garden/replicating-the-slightly-plantable-gifts-of-the-magi-in-the-garden.html?ref=style
Great article, thanks!
:(. Sad face. Yes, I wonder as well how much is synthetic and how much is natural.
I saw this story in the Daily Mail on the plane yesterday, and nearly dropped you a line, then figured you and your news scouts would’ve been onto it already!