Balsamic, warm-resinous, with a faint smoky-leathery quality. Less bright than frankincense, less sweet than benzoin, with a quiet, earthy depth. The coastal-mangrove origin adds a subtle saline-mineral undertone absent in inland tree resins. A dark, warm balsam with character.
Evolution over time
Immediately
Immediately
Warm balsamic-resinous burst, slightly smoky
After a few hours
After a few hours
Dense, dark resinous warmth, leathery undertone
After a few days
After a few days
Persistent balsamic residue, warm and quiet
The Full Story
Siriuba (also spelled ciriuba) refers to trees of the genus Avicennia, particularly Avicennia schaueriana, a mangrove species native to the Brazilian coast. The tree exudes a balsamic resin from its bark that has a warm, slightly smoky, incense-like character.
The olfactory profile of siriuba resin is balsamic-resinous with a faint leathery quality and a trace of salt (from the mangrove environment). It sits between frankincense and copaiba balsam in character — less citrusy than olibanum, less transparent than copaiba, with a specific coastal-tropical warmth.
Siriuba is a rare and highly localized ingredient in perfumery. Its use is limited to Brazilian perfumery traditions and niche compositions that explore Amazonian and coastal-Brazilian botanical materials.
Avicennia mangroves can tolerate salt concentrations that would kill most trees by excreting excess salt through specialized glands on their leaves. The white salt crystals visible on mangrove leaves are one of nature's most effective desalination systems.
Extraction & Chemistry
Extraction method: Resin is collected by tapping the bark of Avicennia species. The raw resin can be used directly or processed into a tincture. Commercial production is minimal and artisanal. Extraction data not independently verified due to limited commercial scale.
Molecular Formula
N/A — natural tree resin/wood, complex mixture
CAS Number
N/A — no standard CAS for Siriuba resin/wood extract
Botanical Name
Macrolobium acaciifolium
IFRA Status
No known restrictions
Synonyms
SIRIUBA · ANINGRE
Physical Properties
Odor Strength
Medium
Appearance
Amber to dark brown resinous liquid
In Perfumery
Siriuba functions as a base-note balsamic-resinous ingredient in niche compositions. It provides warm, dark, slightly smoky depth. Used in Brazilian perfumery traditions and compositions exploring Amazonian botanical materials. The balsamic-leathery character pairs with copaiba, tonka bean, and other South American materials. Limited commercial availability restricts its use to specialized houses.
