It is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia,The English word is derived from Old French "franc encens" (i.e. high quality incense) and is used in incense and perfumes. Frankincense is tapped from the scraggly but hardy trees by slashing the bark, which is called striping, and allowing the exuded resin to bleed out and harden. These hardened resins are called tears. The aroma from these tears are more valuable for their presumed healing abilities and are also said to have superior qualities for religious ritual.