Manila Gum Elemi
“ELEMI” is a collective term applied to several oleoresins obtained from different plants of the family Burseraceae. Elemis differ considerably in their characteristics. This oleoresin exudes as clear pale liquid, but gradually hardens when the volatile constituents are lost upon exposure. Some remain soft but others become quite hard.
The most important and widely known of these oleoresins is MANILA GUM ELEMI and it is only found in the Philippines. It is also known by its Spanish name “Brea Blanca” (white pitch). This oleoresin is secreted in the bark of Pili tree (Canarium Luzonicum) and oozes out when the trunk is wounded or cut. The best grades of MANILA GUM ELEMI are soft, opaque, greenish or yellowish white sticky masses with fragrant resinous odor and burns with smoky flame. Over time, the gum may harden a little but the quality of MANILA GUM ELEMI does not diminish. They have spicy, bitterish taste. The resin dissolves readily in ester, chloroform and benzene.
Other world sources of Elemis but considered of lesser importance than MANILA GUM ELEMI include another African elemi from Canarium Schweinfurthii; American elemi from Amyris elemifera and related species and Brazilian elemi from Protium Heptaphyllum.
The most important and widely known of these oleoresins is MANILA GUM ELEMI and it is only found in the Philippines. It is also known by its Spanish name “Brea Blanca” (white pitch). This oleoresin is secreted in the bark of Pili tree (Canarium Luzonicum) and oozes out when the trunk is wounded or cut. The best grades of MANILA GUM ELEMI are soft, opaque, greenish or yellowish white sticky masses with fragrant resinous odor and burns with smoky flame. Over time, the gum may harden a little but the quality of MANILA GUM ELEMI does not diminish. They have spicy, bitterish taste. The resin dissolves readily in ester, chloroform and benzene.
Other world sources of Elemis but considered of lesser importance than MANILA GUM ELEMI include another African elemi from Canarium Schweinfurthii; American elemi from Amyris elemifera and related species and Brazilian elemi from Protium Heptaphyllum.
USES
MANILA GUM ELEMI is used as an ingredient in paint, varnish and lacquer industries. It is used as a plastifier. It adds to the toughness and elasticity of the products. It is also used in lithographic work and in the manufacture of ink, adhesives, plastic and cement. In pharmacy, the oil from MANILA GUM ELEMI is used as an ingredient in plasters and ointments and also used for external application as stimulant, rubefacient and anti-rheumatic. Locally, it is an excellent remedy for cough when applied to the chest (expectorant). In perfumery, it is used as a fixative particularly in verbena. It also produces interesting fresh top notes in a number of perfumes. Terpeneless Elemi oil is important in the so-called “oriental bases”. It is also used in scenting soap in soap manufacture. In the Food Industries, it is used in formulas for sweets, pastries and cakes, ice cream and various non-alcoholic drinks and soups.
PRODUCTION OF MANILA GUM ELEMI
To produce good quality resin, scientific tapping techniques should be employed. Trees of about 40 cm. in diameter and up should be selected. Tapping should start in June or as soon as the new leaves mature and should continue until the trees shed their leaves, usually March or April. Initial tapping should be made on the basal portion of the trunk not more than 30 cm. above the ground. With the use of a small, sharp and broad-bladed bolo, a cut is made 20 cm. long, along the girth and 1-2 cm. wide along the height of the tree. Tapping should be confined to the bark and care should be taken so as not to damage the cambium, the tissue responsible for continued radial growth of the tree and of the healing of wounds. As soon as the resin exudates and enough time was allowed to accumulate into large whitish sticky mass on the tapped area, the resin is collected/gathered. Usually one (1) week interval is sufficient for resins accumulation. Subsequent tappings of about 1 cm. or less should be made immediately above and close to the first cut and so on. Tapping is done everyday. The trees can be tapped to any height convenient to the tapper/farmer gatherer. When the tapped area has completed callused, the tapper may repeat the process on the untapped portion of the same tree. The exuded resin should be collected with care so that only tolerable dirt and impurities would be included if not totally avoided.
PRODUCT GRADE
No. 1 White (Export Grade)
EXPORT PACKING
In thick, polyethylene plastic bag crated in a wooden crate with average weight of 40 kilos net.
PRODUCTION CAPACITY
Under normal conditions, monthly production is 20 to 25 tons from July to March and 5 tons per month for April to June.
FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTION
Long dry season like the “El Niño Phenomenon”, strong typhoons and continuous rains specially on the months of July, August and September.
Source of Information
Bureau of Forestry. Department of Science and Technology
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL properties of Industrial Technology Development Institute
Department of Science & Technology (DOST)
- PRODUCED MANILA ELEMI OIL
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:
Percentage oil yield 18% - 25%
Refractive Index at 20°C 1.4740
Density 0.850 - 0.897
Melting Point 28.00 to 30.00 ºC @ 760.00 mm Hg
Specific Gravity at 15°/15°C 0.8791
Optical Rotation at 20°C +64.55 to +64.85
Acid Value 0.2718
Ester Value 9.043
Color and appearance clear, colorless to light yellow liquid
Department of Science & Technology (DOST)
- PRODUCED MANILA ELEMI OIL
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:
Percentage oil yield 18% - 25%
Refractive Index at 20°C 1.4740
Density 0.850 - 0.897
Melting Point 28.00 to 30.00 ºC @ 760.00 mm Hg
Specific Gravity at 15°/15°C 0.8791
Optical Rotation at 20°C +64.55 to +64.85
Acid Value 0.2718
Ester Value 9.043
Color and appearance clear, colorless to light yellow liquid
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