Desert Grove

Desert Grove brings together the classic temple incense tradition of Ethiopia with unexpected elements that modernize the ancient formula. Ethiopian Itan Zaf Frankincense (Boswellia Papyrifera) forms the bright, uplifting foundation—more citrus-forward than Arabian varieties, with that distinctive church incense character that has perfumed Orthodox ceremonies for millennia.
The blend features two different Myrrh types, each bringing its own character. My Somali variety (Commiphora Erythraea) offers a lighter, more aromatic profile with subtle sweetness, while traditional Myrrh (Commiphora Myrrha) adds the deep, medicinal bitterness that grounds the blend. Together, they create a complex bitter-sweet interplay that shifts and evolves as it burns.
Palo Santo Resin (Bursera Graveolens) brings an unexpected lift—its distinctive combination of pine, mint, and citrus notes bridges the gap between the ancient resins and creates something entirely new. Dragon’s Blood (Daemonorops Draco) rounds everything out with its sweet, almost vanilla-like warmth and distinctive red color that gives the blend its striking appearance.
Hand-crafted into beautiful pieces with a distinctive crystalline, sugared texture that sparkles in the light. The color is remarkable—ranging from deep burgundy through rust-red to bright copper, with darker patches where the Dragon’s Blood concentrates. Each piece has a rough, organic texture like crushed minerals or tree bark, with natural variations that make every piece unique.
Burns best on the included mica plate at moderate heat—around 180-200°F for electric burners. The smoke evolution is complex: bright Frankincense and Palo Santo hit first, then the Myrrh varieties emerge with their bitter-sweet dance, while Dragon’s Blood provides a warm, sweet base throughout. This is temple incense reimagined—honoring tradition while creating something entirely contemporary.