Raw, Mature, Dropped and Worm: Four Resin-Formation Types

Four types

• Raw (sheng): formed on a living tree after wounding; usually clearer aroma.
• Mature (shu): from a dead/rotted tree, oils remain and age—often deeper.
• Dropped (tuo): branch dropped, resin formed then separated.
• Worm (chong): insect borings induce resin along tunnels, fanciful shapes.

Reading them

Names hint at cause and scent, but market usage is loose—judge by aroma, oil and source.