Galbanum is an aromatic gum resin and a product of certain umbelliferous Persian plant species in the genus Ferula, chiefly Ferula gummosa (synonym F. galbaniflua).
Galbanum oil is steam-distilled to yield a green, fruity-floral odour reminiscent of fine malt. The oil has a pine like topnote which is less pronounced in the odor of the resinoid. The latter, in turn has a more woody balsamic, conifer resinous character. Galbanum is frequently adulterated with pine oil.