Boswellia socotrana is a ground-rooted tree, readily distinguished from all other boswellias on the island by the small leaves which have winged stalks and numerous, small leaflets and the inconspicuous pale greenish-yellow flowers which are borne in short, sparse panicles.
Boswellia socotrana appears as a vertically spreading shrub or small tree depending on growing condition. The tree can be quite variable in its look.