Origin and Natural Habitat
Styrax benzoin is native to Southeast Asia, including Sumatra. Benzoin resin from Sumatra has a long global history – one of Indonesia’s oldest exports, traded since at least the 8th century. In Indonesia (especially North Sumatra’s Tapanuli region), these trees have been cultivated for centuries. S. benzoin naturally occurs in lowland tropical rainforests at about 100–700 meters elevation (up to 1,600 m) and prefers rich, clayey soils in mixed primary forests. The species is scarce in dense secondary forests. Its range spans several Southeast Asian countries, but in Indonesia it is mainly found and cultivated in Sumatra.
Physical and Botanical Characteristics
The Styrax benzoin tree is an evergreen often reaching 8–34 m in height (10–100 cm trunk diameter). The base of the trunk may develop buttresses. Leaves are alternately arranged, elliptic (8–13 × 2–5 cm), with white stellate hairs on the underside. Flowers are borne in fragrant white panicles (~20 cm long). Fruits are 2–3 cm indehiscent capsules with a single globose seed (~1.5–2 cm). Benzoin resin appears as hard, brittle chunks that are initially pale white or creamy (darkening to yellowish-brown on aging). Chemically, Sumatra benzoin is rich in cinnamic acid and its esters (contributing spicy, balsamic notes), plus benzoic acid and derivatives. Vanillin (present in both Sumatra and Siam types) gives a characteristic vanilla-like scent. The resin exudes as a sugary gum when the bark is wounded, then hardens into resin. (This resin is sometimes called “gum benjamin” or “solid storax” in trade, and is visually similar to the Siam type but varies slightly in color and composition.)
Harvesting and Processing of Benzoin Resin
Benzoin is harvested by tapping the Styrax trunk. Workers make slanted cuts (often V-shaped or trapezoidal) into the bark about 30–100 cm above ground. White gum exudes from these incisions. Over several weeks, the sap thickens and hardens as it loses moisture. Initially a sticky, pale-yellow flow appears, then it solidifies into resin “tears” when exposed to air. Trees can be tapped multiple times: the first resin flow (takasan) is light and cleaner, while subsequent flows (lecet, etc.) darken and contain more impurities. After collection, the crude benzoin resin is dried for months to evaporate water and remove debris before export. In Indonesia there is some value-added processing (e.g. steam distillation into benzoin oil), but most benzoin is exported as raw dried resin.
Uses in Perfumery, Pharmaceuticals, Food, and Traditional Medicine
Sumatra benzoin resin is valued for its sweet balsamic fragrance and medicinal properties. In perfumery and aromatherapy, it is used as a base “fixative” and as an ingredient in incense and scented candles. In pharmaceuticals and healthcare, benzoin serves as an antiseptic and adhesive (e.g. in surgical dressings) and as a topical salve base. It is also approved as a natural flavor: benzoin imparts vanilla- and chocolate-like notes to candies, beverages and desserts. Traditional uses include burning benzoin as incense in religious and cultural ceremonies, and it has been blended into traditional Indonesian kretek cigarettes (klembak menyan). Medicinally, benzoin preparations have been used for skin ailments, arthritis, wound healing and muscle pain.
Economic Value: Domestic and International Markets
Citragro Indonesia is a dedicated supplier and distributor of high-quality Sumatra Benzoin, serving both domestic and export markets. The company offers various grades of benzoin resin, including:
- Grade A: Premium quality with large granules, bright color, and the strongest aroma. Ideal for the perfume, pharmaceutical, and high-end aromatherapy industries.
- Grade B: Medium quality with mid-sized granules and yellowish color. Commonly used in incense production, cosmetics, and herbal processing.
- Grade C: Economic grade with small or broken pieces. Widely used for mass markets and large-scale industrial applications.
With global demand steadily increasing—especially from countries like India, China, Egypt, and France—Citragro Indonesia’s products are a preferred choice due to their consistent quality and purity.
Citragro Indonesia is committed to delivering authentic Sumatra benzoin resin that meets international industry standards while supporting local farmers through sustainable and ethical trade practices.
