Israeli Academics Discover Ancient Incense Trees in Somaliland
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
An Israeli academic expedition led by Professor Zohar Amar successfully located the ancient "aparsamon" tree, a key incense ingredient, in Somaliland. The team also identified myrrh and frankincense trees during their research trip. The journey involved navigating challenging conditions and extensive fieldwork. This discovery confirms the presence of these historically significant plants in the Horn of Africa and opens avenues for future academic cooperation.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli academics discovered the ancient "aparsamon" incense tree in Somaliland after a week-long expedition.
- The "aparsamon" tree was a national symbol of ancient Judea and a component of Temple incense.
- The expedition also identified and studied myrrh and frankincense trees in the region.
- The researchers faced logistical challenges, including checkpoints and infrastructure issues.
- Somaliland, recognized by Israel in 2025, provided a unique setting for the ethnopharmacological research.
- The team plans further academic collaboration with Somaliland institutions.
A delegation of three Israeli academics, led by Professor Zohar Amar of Bar-Ilan University, successfully located the "aparsamon" tree in Somaliland, a plant identified as a key ingredient in ancient incense and a national symbol of ancient Judea alongside the date palm. The "aparsamon" was once cultivated in Israel's Jordan Valley but disappeared centuries ago. The expedition, which lasted over a week, involved navigating challenging terrain, numerous checkpoints, a theft attempt, and interactions with local frankincense producers.
The team, which included Dr. Yaron Sari from the Open University and Dr. Elron Zabetani from Ariel University, aimed to conduct ethnopharmacological research and study Somaliland's aromatic plants, including myrrh, frankincense, and the "aparsamon." This research builds on years of prior work by Amar and Sari in various countries. The journey to Somaliland was complex, involving flights to Ethiopia, overland travel through checkpoints, and navigating local customs and infrastructure.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and was officially recognized by Israel in December 2025, presents a unique cultural and logistical landscape. The academics encountered a strong sense of nationalism and religious observance, alongside underdeveloped infrastructure and a different pace of life. They also observed the local economy, including bustling markets and traditional practices.
During their search, the researchers faced difficulties, including lost luggage and bureaucratic hurdles. They eventually identified the myrrh tree, known locally as "malmal," and the frankincense tree, "luban," in the region. The breakthrough came near Laas Geel, a prehistoric rock art site, where Professor Amar identified the elusive "aparsamon" tree, confirming its presence in the Horn of Africa. The team collected samples and corrected the identification of the "aparsamon" at the University of Hargeisa's herbarium.
The expedition concluded with the academics returning to Israel, bringing back valuable research and confirming the continued existence of these ancient aromatic plants in Somaliland. They plan further academic collaboration with their Somaliland counterparts.