Xanthorrhoea resin

Xanthorrhoea resin is the natural exudate of the Australian Grass tree Xanthorrhoea spp.
The resin accumulates naturally and is collected by Aboriginal people without harming the tree.

Frequently asked questions

Some questions and answers are automatically generated.

What does Xanthorrhoea resin smell like?
Customers describe the scent as complex and evolving. It starts sweet and fruity, developing into deeply smoky, leathery notes with earthy undertones of charred wood and sunbaked soil. Some compare it to cedarwood or cherry, and many note it is gentle on the lungs compared to similar resins. Reviewers consistently praise it as beautiful, delicious, and intoxicating.
How do you use Xanthorrhoea resin?
Most customers burn it as incense directly on hot charcoal. It also dissolves readily in alcohol to make a tincture, and reviewers report using it for incense stick crafting and as a perfumery ingredient. The product description notes it has historical uses in varnish, polish, and other applications, though incense burning and perfume-making are the primary modern uses mentioned in reviews.
Is this resin sustainably or ethically harvested?
Yes. The product description states the resin is collected from Australian Grass trees without harming the tree, and is gathered by Aboriginal people. Reviewers specifically praise the vendor for promoting ethical production, harvesting, and sale practices.
How does Xanthorrhoea compare to Dragon's Blood resin?
The product description notes it is reminiscent of Dragon's Blood but softer, sweeter, and more complex, and not harsh on the lungs. A reviewer confirms this, stating that if you like Dragon's Blood, you should definitely try Xanthorrhoea resin.
What does the resin look like?
Customers describe it as crystalline and bright red, similar in colour to Dragon's Blood resin. The product description notes the resin is a deep garnet red colour when dissolved in alcohol.
Is a little bit of resin enough to burn?
Yes. One reviewer notes that just a touch is enough, and the resin produces a strong, pleasant aroma even when burned on raw charcoal with minimal quantity.
What is the resin made from?
It is the natural exudate of the Australian Grass tree (Xanthorrhoea spp.). The product materials list includes Xanthorrhoea resin, Gum Acaroid, Acaroid, Yakka, and Grass Tree Resin.
Aboriginal use- (Wikipedia).The resin from Xanthorrhoea plants is used in spear-making[11] and is an invaluable adhesive for Aboriginal people, often used to patch up leaky coolamons (water containers) and even yidaki (didgeridoos). The dried flower stalk scape was also used to generate fire by the hand drill friction method.

Resin collected from the Xanthorrhoea plant was used in Australia until the mid-twentieth century for the following purposes-

-Burnt as incense in churches.
-A base component for a varnish used on furniture and in dwellings.
-A polish and a coating used on metal surfaces including stoves, tin cans used for storing meat and “brass instruments.”
-A component used in the industrial processes associated with “sizing paper, in soap making, perfumery and in manufacturing early gramophone records.”

Xanthorrhoea resin has a beautiful aroma as incense. It is reminiscent of Dragonsbood resin but softer, sweeter, and more complex. It is not hard on the lungs or harsh as Dragonsblood can be, and its fragrance is much more pleasing to my nose.

As mentioned, in the past, it was used in perfumery so one wonders what it could add to modern perfumes as a tincture or essential oil.
It dissolves readily in alcohol, producing a slightly aromatic tincture that is bright garnet red.

Larger specimens can be purchased. Contact me for photos and prices.

Dan

Materials: Xanthorrhoea resin, Gum Acaroid, Acaroid, Yakka, Grass Tree Resin.


Customer Reviews

Based on 112 reviews
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David Masury (Sanford, US)
Xanthorrhoea review

I used the material that I received for coloring violins. The material created a beautiful deep red

It is too bad that the new tariffs discourage international business. I do appreciate that you have the material and track the shipping carefully

M
M-A Masse R. (Montreal, CA)
Just a touch is enough...

What a beautiful resin this is... At first, sweet, kind of fruity, gradually moving into deeply smoky, leathery, with earthy undertones that evoke charred wood and sunbaked soil... Marvelous. Thank you, Dan!

J
Jillian (Ashburn, US)
Amazing selection, and great quality!

Amazing selection, and great quality!

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Twila (Ashburn, US)
Very good quality love it.

Very good quality love it.

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Etsy customer

Very good quality love it.

R
Richard Ernser (Ashburn, US)
This item was promptly delivered and arriv...

This item was promptly delivered and arrived as described.

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Etsy customer

This item was promptly delivered and arrived as described.

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David Borer (Ashburn, US)
As described and pictured. Packaged well....

As described and pictured. Packaged well. Wonderful aroma

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Etsy customer

As described and pictured. Packaged well. Wonderful aroma

K
Kristen Hettinger (Ashburn, US)
Aromatic, excellent quality material, gene...

Aromatic, excellent quality material, generous portion, professionally packaged & shipped fast.

Reviews in Other Languages

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Jolie (Ashburn, US)
Top Service immer wieder gerne

Top Service immer wieder gerne

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Etsy customer

Top Service immer wieder gerne

E
Etsy customer

Xanthorrhoea resin