FAQ · Frankincense & Boswellia
Frequently asked questions.
Boswellia frereana, the Somali variety names, the difference from serrata, and when you can reserve from us. Honestly answered.
Botany & varieties
What is Boswellia frereana (Maydi)?
Boswellia frereana is a frankincense species known in Somalia as “Maydi” (also “Maidi”). It grows on the limestone cliffs of the Cal Madow mountains in the Sanaag and Bari regions, the only habitat of this species worldwide. The resin and the oil distilled from it are considered especially fresh and resinous, with a clear citrus edge.
How do Boswellia frereana and Boswellia serrata differ?
They are two different species. Boswellia serrata comes mainly from India and is processed above all as a powder or extract in dietary supplements. Boswellia frereana comes from Somalia, is traditionally chewed as a resin and distilled for perfumery and aromatherapy. Ceelfoox carries frereana and carterii, no serrata products and no capsules.
Frereana, Carterii or Sacra, what's the difference?
Boswellia frereana (Somali “Maydi”) is fresh, pine-citrus and grows only in the Cal Madow. Boswellia carterii (Somali “Beeyo”) delivers the classic, warm-balsamic olibanum profile. Boswellia sacra is closely related to carterii and comes mainly from Oman and Yemen. We source frereana and carterii from the same Somali collector network.
What does Frereana frankincense smell like?
The top note is fresh and citrusy, carried by a clear pine accord. The heart is resinous and dry, with no sweet undertone, and fades quietly and woody. This sets frereana clearly apart from the warmer, sweeter carterii.
What do the Somali names Maydi, Beeyo and Malmal mean?
They are the regional trade names: Maydi (also Maidi) = Boswellia frereana, Beeyo (also Mohor) = Boswellia carterii, Malmal (also Heerabol) = myrrh (Commiphora myrrha). These names have been used in the Cal Madow trade for generations.
What is the difference between frankincense and myrrh?
Frankincense (Boswellia) and myrrh (Commiphora) are two different plant genera. Frankincense smells fresh-resinous to balsamic, myrrh warm, earthy and slightly bitter. Both grow in Somalia and are traditionally traded together.
Why is Maydi called the “King of Frankincense”?
In the region, Maydi (Boswellia frereana) is traditionally regarded as the highest-quality frankincense, hence the epithet “King of Frankincense.” The pale, citrus-fresh resin is even traditionally chewed as a premium natural gum.
Which frankincense is suited to perfumery?
Both frereana and carterii are used in perfumery. Frereana delivers fresh top notes, carterii warmer base notes. The choice depends on the desired scent character.
Origin, supply chain & shipping
Where does your frankincense come from, and is it traceable?
Our resin comes from the Cal Madow (the Sanaag and Bari regions) in Somalia and is traceable to the individual collector. Distillation takes place at origin in Burao (being built, from Q4 2026); sales and invoicing run through our EU office in Limburg an der Lahn.
Why does Boswellia frereana grow only in the Cal Madow?
Boswellia frereana is bound to the limestone cliffs of the Cal Madow mountains in Sanaag and Bari, the altitude, rock and climate of this zone exist in this combination nowhere else. That is why “Maydi” is a true single-origin species.
How does the location shape the frankincense scent?
Soil, altitude, climate and the Boswellia species determine the terpene profile and thus the scent. Boswellia frereana from the Cal Madow develops its typically fresh, pine-citrus profile through limestone, altitude and coastal climate.
What is terroir in frankincense?
Terroir refers to the interplay of site factors, soil, climate, altitude, that gives a natural product its distinctive character. For frankincense it explains why the same species smells different from region to region.
Is the origin sustainable?
We rely on non-destructive wild harvesting with tree rest periods and fair minimum prices for the collectors. Over-tapping of Boswellia stands is a real industry issue that we take seriously.
How and from where do you ship?
Shipping and invoicing run through our EU office in Limburg an der Lahn. Larger orders can be shipped directly from Berbera by arrangement.
Quality & certificates
Which certificates and analyses are planned?
COA per batch, GC/MS analysis, SDS and IFRA compliance are planned with the first batch. We report typical terpene profiles as “typical for the species”; our own measured values follow with the first batch. We do not show invented lab values.
Reservation & availability
When will your products be available?
We are in pre-launch. The first batch is wild-harvested and limited; availability is expected for Q4 2026 – Q1 2027. Reservers are served first.
Where can you buy real Maydi?
Real Maydi is rare. Ceelfoox sources Boswellia frereana directly from the Cal Madow in Somalia. The first distilled batch is planned for Q4 2026 – Q1 2027 and can be reserved.
How do I reserve the first batch?
Reserve directly on the website (“Reserve first batch”) or by email to info@ceelfoox.com. Reservers have priority on first purchase and receive a special rate for early buyers.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
We'll set the exact minimum order quantity with the first batch, once volumes and pack sizes are fixed. We notify reservers first.
Do you also sell to private customers?
Our focus is on commercial users, perfumery, aromatherapy and natural cosmetics. For private enquiries, feel free to write to info@ceelfoox.com; we'll get back to you once a suitable offer is available.
Question not covered? Write to us at info@ceelfoox.com, or reserve the first batch.