Balm of Gilead
Balm of Gilead, the common name of several unrelated trees and the name of an aromatic, resinous liquid obtained from one species. This resinous liquid, obtained from the Old World balm of Gilead, or Mecca balsam, was valued as a precious substance in Biblical times for its fragrance and medicinal qualities.
North American trees called balm of Gilead include the balsam fir and a species of poplar. The poplar, which can grow up to 100 feet (30 m) high, has large, glossy leaves.
The Old World balm of Gilead is Commiphora opobalsamum of the family Burseraceae. The poplar is Populus candicans of the family Salicaceae.