Palo Santo, or “Holy Wood,” is the common name for aromatic timber sourced primarily from the tree species Bursera graveolens. For centuries, this wood has been a fixture in South American spiritual and folk medicine, traditionally burned as incense and distilled for its essential oils. A massive surge in global demand has led to public concern regarding its conservation status and the sustainability of its harvest. This article clarifies the true conservation status of Bursera graveolens and addresses the sources of confusion.
Current Conservation Status of Bursera graveolens
The primary source of Palo Santo, Bursera graveolens, is currently classified as “Least Concern” (LC) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This designation indicates the species is widespread and abundant throughout its natural habitat, spanning seasonally dry tropical forests from Mexico down to Peru and Venezuela. The population is considered stable, meaning the species is not facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
The species is found across a broad geographical range, including the Galápagos Islands, Colombia, Ecuador, and Central America, which naturally reduces its vulnerability to localized threats. Furthermore, Bursera graveolens is not listed on any Appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The absence of a CITES listing confirms that the international trade of Bursera graveolens is not subject to special regulation.
Clarifying Sources of Misinformation
Public confusion about Palo Santo stems from historical local regulations and the misidentification of a different, genuinely threatened species. The common name “Palo Santo” is also used for an unrelated tree, Bulnesia sarmientoi, sometimes called Argentine Palo Santo, which is native to the Gran Chaco region of South America.
In contrast to Bursera graveolens, Bulnesia sarmientoi is internationally recognized as being in danger. It is officially listed as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List due to significant population decline from deforestation. To regulate its international trade, Bulnesia sarmientoi is listed on CITES Appendix II, subjecting it to strict controls. The frequent mix-up between the widely distributed Bursera graveolens and the vulnerable Bulnesia sarmientoi is the primary reason the public believes the common Palo Santo wood is endangered.
Another contributing factor is the history of local governmental protections. For example, the government of Peru locally listed Bursera graveolens as “In Critical Danger” in 2006. This local listing did not reflect a global threat but was intended to prohibit the cutting of live trees and enforce the sustainable collection of naturally fallen wood. Such regional conservation efforts often generate headlines mistakenly interpreted as a declaration of global endangerment.
Ethical Harvesting and Sustainable Practices
Even with a “Least Concern” status, the method of harvesting Palo Santo wood remains a significant ethical and ecological concern. The unique aromatic compounds that give Palo Santo its distinctive scent only develop once the wood has matured. This natural curing process occurs after the tree or its branches have died and rested on the forest floor for a period of between four and ten years.
Sustainable and traditional practices require that only this naturally dead and aged wood be collected. Conversely, the illegal practice involves cutting down live trees, which causes ecological harm and yields wood lacking the necessary resin content and fragrance. Increased demand has unfortunately fueled this unsustainable, illegal logging, which depletes local populations and harms the ecosystem.
For consumers, the most effective action is to only purchase products confirmed to be sourced from naturally fallen trees. Look for certifications or clear documentation from suppliers demonstrating compliance with local regulations, such as the SERFOR certification in Peru. Supporting suppliers committed to these ethical practices provides local communities with an economic incentive to conserve the forest and manage the resource responsibly.