Commiphora gileadensis (as A. gileadensis or A. opobalsamum )

In all likelihood, this ancient trade item was what is now known as Balsam of Mecca, produced from the tree Commiphora gileadensis (syn.

Balsam of Mecca, resin and other products of the Arabian tree species Commiphora gileadensis (syn.

Balsam of Mecca (also called the balsam of Gilead or balm of Gilead) is a resinous gum of the tree Commiphora gileadensis (syn.

The related Commiphora gileadensis, native to Eastern Mediterranean and particularly the Arabian Peninsula, is the biblically referenced Balm of Gilead, also known as Balsam of Mecca.

The most common tonewood veneers used for rib-making are mahogany, flame maple, Persian walnut, Mecca balsam wood (Commiphora gileadensis), Spanish chestnut, Greek juniper, mulberry, Oriental plane, Indian rosewood and apricot.

Therefore references to "Balsam Oil" (or "Oil of Balsam") in the Bible or other ancient Middle Eastern texts are most likely to be to what later became known as "Balsam of Mecca" (Commiphora gileadensis) q.v.