The Genus Commiphora
by Rosario Douglas
Commiphora multijuga. From Damaraland-Angola and Namibia in southern Africa. This is one of 4 trees that has religious significance in the area. Used in marriage, funerals and initiation ceremonies. Elephants and small stock eat the leaves. Taken from: Damaraland flora by Patricia Craven and Christine Marais
Commiphora is a genus in the family Burseraceae that has about 185 species of shrubs and trees. These plants often have thorns. Plants in this genus are found in Africa,
Arabia and the Indian subcontinent. (Wilkipedia)
The name Commiphora is derived from the greek “Kommi” which means gum and “phoros” which means carrier.
The Myrrh tree, found in the horn of Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia) belongs to this genus. This plant was highly priced in ancient times as a constituent of perfumes and incense.
Commiphoras need full sun and well drained soils. Plants are propagated from seed.
Commiphora saxicola. The names is derived from the Latin for “rock dweller”. The plants are found in rocky soils in central Namibia. Unlike many other species C. saxicola does not have papery bark and does not peel. Photo by Michael Douglas
Sources: http://www.plantoftheweek.org/week353.shtml
Namibia Flora: Swakopmund to the giant Welwitshchia via Goanikontes by Patricia Craven and Christine Marais.
Central Oklahoma Cactus & Succulent Society 