What Gives Christmas Trees Their Crisp, Cozy Scent?
Briefly

Terpenes are the largest class of naturally produced chemicals in the world, found in pretty much all plant species and playing essential roles like protection and attraction.
In firs, terpenes are sequestered in a protective resin to prevent harm to the tree while still allowing them to patch injuries and fight infections.
When a Christmas tree warms up indoors, small terpenes with low boiling points vaporize to create the characteristic woodsy scent that we associate with the holidays.
Resin, often confused with sap, is a thick protective liquid that oozes from certain tree species, like firs, to help reduce infection after injury.
Read at www.scientificamerican.com
[
|
]