Palo santo

Palo santo is a common Spanish name most often used for the tree species Bursera graveolens, a fragrant woodland tree in the Burseraceae family.

Palo santo is a common Spanish name most often used for the tree species Bursera graveolens, a fragrant woodland tree in the Burseraceae family. It is native to parts of Mexico, Central America, northwestern South America, and the Galápagos Islands, and its wood and resin are used for incense, perfumes, and traditional practices. The name can also refer to other tree species, including Bulnesia sarmientoi, so the term is somewhat ambiguous.

Taxonomy and naming

Palo santo is Spanish for “holy wood” or “sacred wood.” In most modern usage it refers to Bursera graveolens, though the name is shared with other trees, including Bulnesia sarmientoi. Bursera graveolens is a wild tree in the Burseraceae family, the same family as frankincense and myrrh.

Distribution and habitat

Bursera graveolens grows in seasonally dry tropical forests across Mexico, Central America, northwestern South America, and the Galápagos Islands. Its native range includes these regions, where it is a flowering tree of the family Burseraceae.

Uses

The tree’s aromatic wood and resin are commonly used for incense, perfumes, and essential oils. Various sources also describe long-standing traditional and ceremonial uses. The wood and resin are valued for their fragrance.

Conservation and trade

Some sources note that increased popularity has raised concerns about habitat pressure and sustainability. Confusion with other species under the same common name can also complicate trade and conservation discussions.