Palo santo: two trees, one name, origin and responsible sourcing
“Palo santo” refers to two very different trees: Bursera graveolens from tropical America, and Bulnesia sarmientoi from the Chaco. How to tell them apart and buy without causing harm.
Key points
| Palo santo (sacred wood) | Bursera graveolens, family Burseraceae (like frankincense and myrrh) |
|---|---|
| Other “palo santo” | Bulnesia sarmientoi, from the South American Chaco, family Zygophyllaceae; protected under CITES |
| Range of B. graveolens | Mexico, Central America, north-western South America (Venezuela to Peru), Galápagos Islands |
| IUCN status of B. graveolens | Least Concern (assessment cited from 2010); local protections vary |
| Ethical harvesting | Dead or naturally fallen wood, as required by Peruvian regulations |
| Scent | Sweet, lemony, resinous, slightly minty (limonene, terpineol) |
| Main precaution | Uncertain origin; smoke like any combustion |
Two trees, one name
“Palo santo” means “sacred wood” or “holy stick” in Spanish. The name covers two trees that are not closely related, which often causes confusion:
| Bursera graveolens | Bulnesia sarmientoi | |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Burseraceae | Zygophyllaceae |
| Where | Dry forests from Mexico to Peru, Ecuador, Galápagos | Gran Chaco (Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay) |
| Use of the wood | Fumigation, perfumery | Very hard wood (“Paraguayan guaiacum”), guaiac oil, turned objects |
| Status | Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (according to the source cited); local regulations | CITES Appendix II since 2010; listed as “Endangered” by the IUCN in 2018 |
When a label only says “palo santo,” ask for the Latin name. The palo santo used for fumigation is Bursera graveolens. Bulnesia sarmientoi is a threatened species whose wood and oil are in demand, and you should not find it sold as sticks for burning.
Where the wood you burn comes from
Bursera graveolens belongs to the same family as frankincense and myrrh. It is a medium-sized tree of dry tropical forest that loses its leaves in the dry season. The wood is rich in resins and aromatic terpenes, notably limonene and α-terpineol, which give it a sweet, fresh, resinous scent. These compounds develop mainly in the heartwood of old trees or trees that have been dead for some time.
For this reason, the golden rule of reputable sellers is to harvest only dead or naturally fallen wood that has aged on the ground for several years. The durations quoted (3 to 5 years, 4 to 10 years) vary between sellers and are not verified. In Peru, a 2006 regulation prohibited cutting living trees; the species’ status has since changed (removal from a protection list in 2014, according to unconfirmed sources), which shows that you must check the regulations in force. Reforestation programmes exist in Ecuador. Enforcement remains difficult, and illegal harvesting has been reported in north-western Peru.
A fashionable product, a real issue
Global demand for palo santo sticks has surged with the fashion for fumigation. To our knowledge, there is no international label that guarantees the origin and harvesting of the wood. Several press articles and associations have highlighted the risk of non-compliant harvesting. To limit your impact:
- buy little, and burn a stick down to the ember so you can relight it several times (a few minutes is enough);
- choose a seller who states the country, the Latin name and the type of harvest (dead wood);
- be wary of very low prices and of “palo santo” lots with no further details;
- consider local alternatives, such as cedar or juniper, or a resin such as frankincense.
See also our page Palo santo in the incense guide.
Traditional uses, with respect
The wood has long been used in several regions of the Andes and Central America to scent the air, accompany ceremonies or repel insects. Specific practices vary between peoples and villages, and we do not claim to describe them in detail. In today’s market, people often speak of “cleansing” or “blessing” a place: these are modern uses, which we present as symbols rather than established truths.
Safety
The stick relights poorly, produces dense smoke and sometimes crackles. Use a dish or a heat-resistant burner, put the stick out by pressing it into sand or soil, and never leave it unattended. As with any incense, ventilate the room and avoid using it near children, people with asthma or animals. See Incense burners and dishes and Fire safety and rituals.
Frequently asked questions
Are palo santo and sacred wood the same thing?
Yes, palo santo is the Spanish expression for “sacred wood.” But it refers to two different trees: Bursera graveolens (fumigation) and Bulnesia sarmientoi (hard wood, guaiac oil).
Is palo santo endangered?
Bursera graveolens is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN according to the source cited, but local protections exist and illegal harvesting has been reported. Bulnesia sarmientoi is listed as Endangered.
How can I tell whether a palo santo is ethically sourced?
Ask for the Latin name, the country, and whether the wood is dead or naturally fallen. A seller who does not answer cannot guarantee anything.
How long does a stick last?
A few minutes of flame, then the ember; you can relight it several times if you put it out in time.
Why does it smell good?
It contains aromatic terpenes such as limonene and terpineol, which are concentrated in aged wood.
Also read
The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Herbs, waxes and accessories.