The cultivation of Styrax benzoin trees with the expectation of
harvesting benzoin gum takes an investment of time more than anything
else. In fact, the gum cannot be extracted from the tree for at least
seven years. Each mature tree, however, will continue to yield roughly
three pounds of resin for the next decade or more.
Benzoin gum is noted for its warm, exotic, vanilla-like fragrance. The
resin and powder are blended with other aromatic spices to produce
Japanese and Indian incense.
Because benzoin gum fixes other scents and acts as a natural
preservative to prevent fats from turning rancid, it is used in a
variety of cosmetics, including skin lotions and creams, and soaps.
