Palo Santo, often called “holy wood,” is an aromatic wood popular for its unique scent and cultural importance. This fragrant wood holds deep roots in spiritual practices and traditional medicine, particularly across South America. Its use as an incense and for purification rituals dates back centuries, reflecting its revered status among indigenous communities. Its distinct aroma makes it widely used in various ceremonial and holistic practices today.
The Palo Santo Tree and Its Native Habitat
Palo Santo wood originates from the Bursera graveolens tree, a species in the Burseraceae family, which also includes frankincense and myrrh. This tree thrives in seasonally dry tropical forests across a wide geographical range. Its native habitat extends across South America, encompassing Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Colombia. It is also found in Central America, including Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, and the Galápagos Islands.
Bursera graveolens adapts to specific environmental conditions, preferring dry tropical forests with fertile soil that retains nutrients well. It can grow in soils with various combinations of sand and clay. The tree is typically medium-sized, reaching heights of up to 20 meters, characterized by its globe-like crown and deciduous nature. Its distinctive aromatic resins develop naturally as the wood ages.
How Palo Santo is Sourced
Traditional and sustainable Palo Santo harvesting involves collecting wood only from naturally fallen trees and branches. This practice is essential because the wood needs to remain on the forest floor for an extended period, typically three to ten years, for proper aging. During this time, the wood transforms, developing its potent aromatic resins and unique fragrance.
Cutting down live Palo Santo trees is environmentally harmful and renders the wood ineffective for aromatic purposes. The fragrant oils and therapeutic qualities do not fully develop if harvested prematurely. The resin, which provides the wood’s characteristic scent, naturally forms within the heartwood as a protective response to environmental stressors or injury. This reliance on natural processes underscores the importance of patient and respectful collection practices.
Ensuring Sustainable and Ethical Practices
The increasing global demand for Palo Santo has led to concerns about overharvesting and illegal cutting of live trees. While Bursera graveolens is not listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which noted its conservation status as “stable” in 2010, some local governments, such as Peru, have categorized it as being in “critical hazard” due to regional over-exploitation. This highlights the threat to its dry tropical forest habitat, which is under pressure from various factors.
Confusion sometimes arises with Bulnesia sarmientoi, another tree also called Palo Santo, which is globally endangered and listed under CITES. Consumers can support responsible sourcing by seeking certified sustainable practices. This includes purchasing from suppliers who work directly with local communities, engage in reforestation efforts, and hold legal harvesting permits for naturally fallen wood. Certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Rainforest Alliance can help verify ethical and sustainable origins.