Galbanum gum comes from a plant that grows from Syria to Persia. Pliny knew the Ferula galbaniflua as "stagonites" (Walker). It was used for sacred incense in the Holy Temple.
It is a yellowish gum resin, according to all my sources. Among the perfumes employed for preparation of the sacred incense was galbanum. It was a precious commodity thought by some to be imported from India. Others have not been convinced of its certain identity (Smith).
Walker describes this perennial as having a strong root system and growing to a height of several feet. The leaves are finely cut and there are greenish-white flowers. As it is ripe, the plant is cut a few inches above ground level. The milky substance oozes and quickly hardens. It is burned and a pleasant aroma results. Nelson notes that galbanum was also used in anointing oil.
Exodus 30:34-36 (KJV) And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight:
And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy:
And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy.
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