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"My incense is of resinous woods & gums; and there is no blood therein: because of my hair the trees of Eternity" - Liber AL vel Legis, I:59

Kauri Gum is the fossilized sap of the Kauri tree, Agathis australis. The Kauri is New Zealand's largest and most famous native tree. It yields the largest mercantile volume of timber of all trees. Its top branches form a massive spreading crown which dominates the forest.

Ancestors of the Kauri first appeared in the Jurassic Period 190 - 135 million years ago. NZ's mixed kauri / podocarp / hardwood forests are among the most ancient in the world.

Kauri sap oozes from the tree when it is damaged, to seal the wound and prevent infection. In some cases, where there has been major damage to an older tree which is hollow inside, vast amounts of gum collect in the base. Large quantities also collect in the crown where the branches join.

The age of the gum itself can vary significantly – anywhere from a few hundred years old to many tens of thousands of years old when swamp-preserved. As an incense, the gum has a heavenly, sweet smell, well suited as a feminine aspect in ceremonial use.
 
30g packet : NZ$24