Elemi resinoid

Other comments :

The Elemi gum is also called ''Pili '' by the native communities.
Elemi gum has been used by humans for centuries to make unguents or bandages. It is also possible to find several mentions of this crude material in literature.

Because of its endemic and wild character, the pili tree ( ''elemi tree '') has a very strong added value. Its protection is therefore a major challenge. Over the past few years, under the leadership of large multinational companies involved in fragrance creation, a large number of sustainable and traceable program have been implemented. They ensure a rigorous and transparent follow-up of the productions, leading to a better valuation of both the product and the producers.

Stability :

In fine fragrance, the high proportion of phellandrene is a real stability issue because its missibility in alcohol is poor.

Uses in perfumery :

Elemi Resinoid is much more balsamic, resinous than its cousins Elemi EO or Elemi SFE. This ingredient also provides a richer character, with a more spices facets and an higher long lasting. It is therefore possible to use it as a fixative, for fresh and citrusy formulas. Also very interesting in association with verbenas and lemongrass. It also combines very well with spices such as peppers or pink berries.

Chemotypes :

Other elemis are known although they are much less commonly (or not) used in perfumery:
Canarium ovatum : also native to the Philippine archipelago.
Canarium muelleri or scrub turpentine of Queensland, native to Australia.
Canarium Bengalense or elemi of Bengal and China, whose essential oil contains a high dose of Beta-Caryophyllene.
Canarium schweinfurthii or elemi of Cameroon and Guinea.
Canarium madagascariensis : originally from Madagascar and also called ''ramy ''.

Extraction process :

Like incense or myrrh, the resin is obtained using the ''tapping '' technique, i.e. by making an incision through the tree's bark. This incision, which is generally made once a day during the week prior to the harvest, causes the exudation of a white resin. A single tree can yield up to 5kg of resin annually for a harvest carried out from July to March.

All the resin recovered is stored in a warehouse while waiting to be extracted.
Several types of extraction can be performed with this resin:
Steam extraction: Usually performed in Europe to obtain the Elemi EO. It takes in general 5.5kg of resin to obtain 1kg of essential oil - Yield of 18 %.
SFE extraction: Usually done in Europe, this process allows to obtain Elemi SFE. This low-temperature technique gives a smell very similar to the natural product.
Volatile solvent extraction: Usually carried out with Acetone, this process allows to obtain Elemi Resinoid.

Geographic origin :

Data not available.